Anthracnose or bacterial black spot?
Look at the lesion’s shape, edge, texture and depth—not color alone. Bacterial black spot often produces angular, raised or greasy-looking lesions that may crack or ooze. Anthracnose is more often round to semicircular, flat or sunken, and may spread deeper into the flesh.
Often round and sunken
- On fruit
- Dark brown to black spots that can become larger, flat or sunken lesions and may extend into the pulp.
- On leaves
- Dark lesions may appear on tender leaves and other young tissues, especially in wet, humid conditions.
- Best clue
- A broad, dark, often sunken lesion without the distinctly raised, cracked margin typical of BBS.
Often angular and raised
- On fruit
- Dark, water-soaked spots with raised or greasy margins. Lesions may crack and release gummy material.
- On leaves
- Angular spots often follow the leaf veins, which can help separate BBS from more rounded lesions.
- Best clue
- A raised or cracked edge, greasy appearance, angular shape, or gummy ooze.
Both can occur on one fruit.
A single mango may show anthracnose and bacterial black spot at the same time. When the pattern is mixed or the stakes are high, use a local diagnostic service rather than forcing a photo-only answer.
Reduce spread before choosing a treatment
- Do not buy or move trees, budwood or fruit with suspicious active lesions.
- Sanitize pruning and harvesting tools between trees.
- Remove and dispose of infected plant material instead of leaving it beneath the canopy.
- Handle fruit stems carefully; torn stems can create entry points for infection.
- Ask your local Extension office for current, location-specific treatment guidance.
Common mango disease questions
Is every black spot on a mango anthracnose?
No. Anthracnose and bacterial black spot can both make dark lesions, and physical injury or other disorders can look similar. Compare several clues and ask a local Extension office when the diagnosis matters.
What is the quickest visual difference?
Bacterial black spot often looks angular, raised or greasy and may crack or ooze. Anthracnose lesions are more often round to semicircular, flat or sunken, and can expand into the flesh.
Can a mango have both diseases?
Yes. UF/IFAS notes that anthracnose and bacterial black spot can occur together on the same fruit.
What should a home grower do first?
Avoid moving symptomatic nursery or grafting material, sanitize tools, remove infected debris, and use local Extension guidance before choosing a treatment.