Post-Harvest Control of Anthracnose of Mango (Mangifera indica L. var Kent) using Essential Oils Extracted from two Aromatic Plants (Cymbopogon citratus (D C) Stapf. and Melaleuca quinquenervia L.) of the Ivorian Flora

Mango anthracnose is one of the most important mango diseases in Côte d'Ivoire. The chemical approach to control this disease is today decried by consumers, because of the pesticide residues left in the fruit. The search for alternative control solutions, that respect the environment and are less polluting is becoming a necessity. Thus, the use of essential oils in the protection of mangoes against fruit pests before and especially after harvest is a promising solution. The present study aimed to reveal the inhibitory efficacy of essential oil of Melaleuca quinquenervia L. and Cymbopogon citratus (D.C) Stapf against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz & Sacc causal agent of mango anthracnose, stored at room temperature. Five doses (100; 200; 500; 1,000 and 2,000 ppm) of each product were tested in vitro on mycelial growth and spore germination of C. gloeosporioides. In vivo, 700 and 1,400 ppm of C. citratus L. and 1,200 and 12,000 ppm of M. quinquenervia L. were tested against anthracnose in artificially inoculated mangoes. The impact of the different doses of these species on the physico-chemical parameters of the treated fruits was evaluated on day 11. Results showed that mycelial growth and spore germination were totally inhibited by C. citratus essential oil at 1,000 and 2,000 ppm throughout the experiment. In Vivo, the 1,200 ppm dose of M. quinquenervia strongly reduced the occurrence and progression of anthracnose in treated fruits compared to the control with an efficiency rate of 77.76 ± 8.73 and 86.63 ± 5.21%, respectivement. The essences did not significantly influence the physico-chemical parameters of the fruits. The doses 1,200 ppm of M. quinquenervia and 1,400 ppm of C. citratus can be recommended in a post-harvest biological control strategy against mangoes anthracnose.