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Pak. J. Bot., 44: 371-375, Special Issue March 2012.

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ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF FUNGAL AFFECTED MANGO TREES OF BARNALA, DISTRICT BHIMBER, AZAD KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

MUHAMMAD ISHTIAQ CH.^*, TANVEER HUSSAIN AND MEHWISH MAQBOOL

Abstract: Pathological studies were conducted by anatomical methodology to know the effect and severity of mycoflora on mango (Mangifera indica L.) trees of Barnala, District Bhimber, Azad Kashmir. In etiological studies, it was seen that stem blight or die back become evident by discoloration and darkening of the bark as well as exudation of gum from infected portion is major symptom of it. While on the leaves, angular water soaked spots lesions, surrounded by clear patches was noticed. A total of 5 populations each of healthy and affected specimens of same species were anatomically analyzed and 50 readings of various parameters were calculated. The size and diameter of anatomical tissues i.e., vessel diameter (25µm), vessel length (708µm), ray height (172µm), ray width (71µm), fiber length (32µm), and lumen diameter (45µm) were found to be increased in comparison to healthy mango trees. In other observations, there was considerable decrease in fiber length (36µm), fiber diameter (22µm), lumen diameter (55µm), number of vessel per square mm (41µm) and vessel diameter (50µm) in fungal infected trees which hampers yield of trees due to less photosynthetic activity. Several fungi including Botryodiplodia theobromae, Ceratocystis fimbriata, Phoma spp., Aspergilus spp., Cladiosporium spp., and Nattrasia spp., were found invading vascular tissue of mango trees (60-85% decline severity) which make tree declined with passage of time. This is illumined and crystal clear that mycoflora is impediment in yield of mango crops in the area and other parts of country.

Department of Botany, Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST), Bhimber Campus, Bhimber Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

*Corresponding author: Tel. & Fax: +92582892035 E-mail: drishtiaqajk@gmail.com