Chitosan and phenolic compounds in the control of anthracnose in mango

Abstract Mango (Mangifera indica L.) has great socioeconomic importance to Brazil, but its production is affected by anthracnose. Chitosan films have shown potential in controlling this disease. In this study, the effect of the association of chitosan with phenolic compounds and extracts on the Colletotrichum tropicaledevelopment was evaluated. Phenolic compounds and extracts from mango peel were incorporated into 2.0% chitosan solutions and tested in vitro. In the in vivo experiment, after pathogen inoculation and application of treatments, fruits were evaluated for anthracnose incidence and severity. Controls consisted of the application of water or pure culture medium and fungicide imazalil. The experimental design was completely randomized and data were submitted to analysis of variance. In the in vitro test and in the assessment of disease intensity, means were compared using the Scott-Knott and Tukey tests (p <0.05), respectively. Controls were compared to the other treatments using the Dunnett test (p <0.05). Total growth inhibition, conidia production and C. tropicale germination were verified with the incorporation of citric, pyrocatecoic and transcinamic acids to chitosan, with no significant difference between them and the fungicide. Low anthracnose incidence and severity was observed in mangoes treated with chitosan combined with phenolic compounds.