Mango Trees Bulldozed as Fungal Disease Spreads in NT

Between 30,000 and 40,000 mango trees have been bulldozed in the Northern Territory due to mango twig tip dieback (MTTD), a fungal disease affecting farms in the Greater Darwin region. The Kensington Pride (KP) variety is among the more susceptible cultivars, with up to 90% of KP orchards in the region showing some level of infection.

Up to 90% of Kensington Pride orchards in the Greater Darwin region show some level of infection.

Cause and Impact

MTTD is linked to Botryosphaeriaceae fungi and plant stress, affecting young shoots, twigs, and branches. The disease leads to canopy thinning, reduced flowering, and significant yield loss. Once established, MTTD is difficult to manage, and no single control method is expected to be effective on its own.

Research and Response

The Northern Territory government has committed $1 million over two years in its 2025 budget for an integrated research program. Early results were presented at a field day in Berry Springs, showcasing new approaches to tackling the disease.

Research includes real-time monitoring of airborne spores using AI technology from BioScout, which has been trained to detect spores associated with MTTD. This marks a significant step forward in early detection and disease management.

Key Advice for Growers

The department advises growers to:

• Reassess high-stress floral induction practices
• Avoid pruning during humid and wet conditions
• Protect vulnerable flushes during the wet season

"No single control method is expected to be effective" against MTTD once established.