Post-harvest treatments of mangoes against Anthracnosis

Change in maximum residue limits for prochloraz
– Updates following our communication from December 19, 2019 –

As the mango sector is already aware, the number of plant protection products that can be used on mango for export to the European Union is decreasing, which has an important impact on pest and disease control. In this context, the management of anthracnose is particularly problematic Ideally, a disease control pathway for mangoes (especially for anthracnose) should include at least applications of PPPs during the flowering/fruit set period, followed by a postharvest treatment. Many plant protection products (PPPs) that were traditionally used for post-harvest control of anthracnose can no longer be used on crops for export.

At present, two substances are particularly used for post-harvest control of anthracnose: prochloraz and fludioxonil. However, we would like to draw your attention to the following information.

As a reminder, the European Commission had taken the decision in October 2019 to reduce the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for prochloraz.

The new EU Regulation was published on 12 February 2020 in the Journal of the European Union and can be consulted here. It will apply from 4 September 2020.

As soon as it enters into force, the MRL for mango will be set at the limit of determination (LOD): 0.03 mg/kg. This means that from September 2020 the use of prochloraz in post-harvest treatment of anthracnose will no longer be possible.

West Africa 
Prochloraz and fludioxonil are currently registered for use in Côte d’Ivoire as well as in Guinea. Unfortunately, they are not yet approved for use in countries covered by the Sahelian Pesticides Committee (SPC).

A registration application is currently pending with the Sahelian Pesticide Committee (CSP) for the plant protection product SCHOLAR1 (fludioxonil). The dossier will be evaluated at the next ordinary session of the CSP in May 2020. In the meantime, any use will have to be subject to a prior request for derogation from the competent national authority. For more information, contact COLEACP.

In order to ensure that these products will be available to mango growers next season, at least one application must be submitted to the national authorities in each country wishing to obtain a derogation. This application may be made by a representative of the mango export industry, such as an export company, cooperative or association of exporters.

More details on the control methods and alternatives are presented in this brochure.

Important note: Post-harvest treatment with SCHOLAR requires application by soaking in water previously heated to 50°C prior to solution (i.e. soaking equipment and heating required).

East Africa
To date, prochloraz and fludioxonil are not registered for use in post-harvest treatment of mangoes against anthracnose. Any use must be the subject to a prior application for a derogation and validation by the competent national authority. For more information, contact COLEACP.