Stem-end rot (SER) is a major post-harvest disease that significantly reduces the quality and shelf life of mangoes, particularly under the tropical condition. This study aimed to identify the causal agents associated with SER in Bangladesh through morphological and molecular characterization and to evaluate eco-friendly management strategies based on botanical extracts. Samples including dried branches, dead twigs, dried panicles and mummified fruits were collected from major mango-growing regions e.g. Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Rangpur and Natore districts. Six fugal isolates were obtained and initially identified as Lasiodiplodia spp. based on colony morphology and conidial characteristics. Molecular characterization using ITS region sequencing confirmed the presence of two distinct species: Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Lasiodiplodia viticola, the second being first recorded for Stem-end rot in Bangladesh. Physiological studies revealed that the isolates exhibited optimal growth at 25oC and pH 6.0, with significant thermotolerance observed in certain strains. Pathogenicity tests confirmed that all isolates were highly virulent, capable of penetrating non-wounded host tissues, with the highest disease severity (81.25%) observed in Lengra variety. In vitro screening of 14 botanical extracts was conducted against Lasiodiplodia isolates. Among the treatments, Garlic (Allium sativum) and Alamanda  (Allamanda cathartica) extracts emerged as the most potent, achieving complete (100%) mycelium inhibition. In vivo assays further demonstration that Garlic and Alamanda extracts significantly suppressed disease progression and reduced the infection area to 1.25% and 5.75% compared to 95.50% in the control. These results suggest that A. sativum and A. cathartica extracts are highly effective and sustainable altranatives to synthetic fungicides for managing stem-end rot in mango

Keywords: Mango, Stem-end rot, characterization, management, botanical extracts

Mango stem-end rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) is a devastating post-harvest disease that can cause substantial fruit losses during storage and transit. Effective disease management relies on an accurate understanding of its prevalence. This study assessed SER incidence and severity across major mango-growing districts of Bangladesh and investigated the potential of fungal antagonists as biological alternatives to chemical fungicides. Therefore, SER assessments were carried out on 1,600 mango fruits sampled from 16 orchards spanning Chapainawabganj, Rajshahi, Rangpur, and Natore districts. At the district level, SER incidence fluctuated between 13% and 19%, while corresponding severity values ranged from 8% to 13%. Trichoderma harzianum and three isolates of Clonostachys rosea were subsequently screened against L. theobromae through dual culture confrontation and cell-free culture filtration assays. Among the agents evaluated, T. harzianum filtrates exhibited the strongest anti-fungal activity, achieving complete suppression of L. theobromae under both in vitro and in vivo conditions while preserving acceptable fruit quality. These findings present a viable and environmentally responsible biocontrol
strategy for managing postharvest SER in mango. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study first reported the biocontrol effect of T. harzianum metabolites on postharvest mango stem-end rot and maintained the quality of mango fruit.

Keywords: Stem-End Rot, Prevalence, Post-harvest, Management, Antagonists

Eleven treatment combinations were compared in the field during kharif season of 2006 for management of some jute diseases at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The effectiveness of 11 treatment combinations viz. T1 = Vitavax-200 + Malathion 57 EC, T2 = Hot water + Malathion 57 EC, T3 = Recommended Urea + MP + TSP + Vitavax-200, T4 = Recommended Urea+MP+ TSP + vitavax-200 + Malathion 57 EC, T5 = Recommended Urea + MP + Hot water, T6 = Recommended Urea + MP + TSP + Hot water + Malathion 57 EC, T7 = Double dose of Urea+MP + TSP + Vitavax-200, T8 = Double dose of Urea + MP + TSP + Vitavax-200 +Malathion 57 EC, T9 = Double dose of Urea + MP + TSP + Hot water, T10 = Double dose of Urea + MP + TSP + Hot water + Malathion 57 EC and T11 = Control were used for the management of anthracnose, black band, stem rot and jute yellow mosaic disease. The treatments showed very pronounced effect in reducing infection and disease development by fungi and virus compared to control. The treatment T6 which included seed treatment with hot water, application of recommended dose of fertilizer and spraying of insecticide Malathion 57 EC has proven to be the best both in limiting diseases and increasing yield. This management strategy may be recommended for the farmers for greater and quality jute production

Keywords: Management, Jute diseases, Treatment, Kharif cropping season, Pesticides