Kent Mango Leaves Are Browning?

Question:

I have a Kent mango and the leaves are browning. Does anyone know what is causing this? Please see photos.

Thanks!

Hardiness Zone: 10a

Robert from South Texas

Answer:

Robert,

I'm sorry that I can't tell you what the exact problem is from your pictures. What I can tell you is that mango trees tend to fall prey to certain fungal diseases. The most common is anthracnose. Unfortunately, Kent mangos happen to be a variety that is very susceptible to anthracnose. Young leaves are particularly susceptible, especially in wet conditions, but the disease also attacks flowers, twigs, and young fruit. Symptoms appear as black spots on the leaves, or sunken black lesions on the fruit.

Verticillium Wilt is another type of fungus that can attack mango trees, especially if they are planted on sites where vegetables were previously grown. This soil-borne fungus is capable of surviving in a dormant state in the soil for as long as 15 years before becoming active. The fungus blocks the vascular system in plants, which sends them into a slow decline. Symptoms include leaves wilting and dying, often only on one side of the tree. Because the dead leaves tend to remain attached, the tree develops a burnt or "fired" appearance.

Deficiencies in manganese and iron can also result in mango decline.

I hope this information gives you some place to start.

Good luck!
Ellen