Scab Disease Ruins Paikgachha’s Bombay Mangoes, Leaving Farmers in Distress

Bombay mangoes in Gadaipur area of Paikgachha upazila, Khulna, have been severely affected by mango scab disease, turning brownish-grey and losing market demand.

Farmers say most mangoes on the trees are now covered with a rough grey layer, making them unattractive to buyers. As a result, market prices have dropped sharply, and many orchard owners are unable to recover harvesting costs.

Local orchard owner Mubarak Dhali said that despite fertilizer use and regular care, the infection spread widely this season. He added that the discolored mangoes are selling at very low prices, causing significant financial losses.

According to the Upazila Agriculture Office, the discoloration is caused by mango scab disease. The disease affects young fruit, often causing premature fruit drop. In mature mangoes, it forms rough grey patches that reduce quality and market value.

Agricultural officials recommend spraying fungicides such as carbendazim or mancozeb (2g per liter of water) at 15-day intervals, repeated 3–4 times during the flowering stage. They also advise pruning infected branches and maintaining proper orchard hygiene after harvest to control the disease.

Once a popular cash crop, Bombay climbing mangoes from this region are now facing declining demand due to quality deterioration.