Shoulder browning disease is a physiological disorder predominantly affecting the mango (Mangifera indica) fruit, characterized by necrotic lesions and browning around the fruit’s shoulder—the region adjacent to the pedicel. This disorder compromises the aesthetic and commercial value of the fruit and is often linked to a combination of abiotic stresses such as high temperatures, intense solar radiation, and irregular irrigation during the fruit maturation stage. These environmental factors exacerbate localized desiccation and cellular oxidative damage, particularly in tissues with suboptimal calcium accumulation. Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining cell wall integrity and membrane stability, and its deficiency weakens the tissue, making it more susceptible to oxidative stress and pathogen invasion. Secondary fungal infections, notably by species such as Lasiodiplodia theobromae and Alternaria alternata, can colonize the damaged tissue, aggravating the browning symptoms. Additionally, imbalances in other nutrients like potassium and boron, combined with inadequate canopy management that exposes fruits to direct sunlight, further intensify the disorder. Effective management requires an integrated approach, including balanced nutrient application, regulated irrigation, and canopy shading practices, to mitigate thermal stress and maintain tissue health in the developing mango fruit.

This disorder is often exacerbated by environmental stresses such as high temperatures, water deficits, and intense solar radiation, which induce oxidative damage and cellular degradation through the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Bourgault et al., 2015). Calcium deficiency plays a critical role, as calcium is vital for preserving cell wall integrity and membrane stability; its supplementation has been demonstrated to reduce browning by stabilizing cell structures, inhibiting polyphenol oxidase activity, and limiting pectin degradation (Li et al., 2022). Secondary fungal infections, particularly by Alternaria alternata and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, often colonize the compromised tissues, compounding the severity of the disorder (Giri et al., 2018). Effective management strategies encompass balanced nutrient application—especially calcium and boron—alongside regulated irrigation, canopy shading to prevent heat stress, and the use of pre- or post-harvest antioxidant treatments such as ascorbic acid dips to alleviate oxidative stress and suppress browning (Jin et al., 2016; Li et al., 2022).

Arvind Kumar

Take a look at this:

Article Appraisal of Shoulder Browning Disease of Mango (Mangifera i...

Thanks!