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Sapota, also known as chikoo or sapodilla, is a tropical fruit crop of the Sapotaceae family. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, and it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical locations around the world, including India, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Sapota, or chikoo, is susceptible to many diseases such as leaf spots, sooty mould, Flat Leaf/Fasciation and red rust caused by fungi and bacteria, leading to dark spots or lesions on leaves, defoliation, and reduced photosynthesis.

List of Sapota Diseases

1. Leaf Spot 

Causal Organism:  Fungus; Phaeoleospora indica

Symptoms:

• The sapota disease is distinguished by numerous little pinkish to reddish brown dots on the leaf with pale centres.

Management:

• Spraying Dithane Z-78 or Topsin or Bavistin @0.1% at monthly intervals can control the disease.

2. Sooty Mould

Causal Organism: Fungus; Capnodium sp.

Symptoms:

• It is a fungal disease that is caused by honeydew-like excretion released by mealy bugs.
• The fungus gradually covers the entire leaf area, greatly impairing photosynthesis.
• This reduces food transfer to the fruits, resulting in a reduction in their size.

Management:

• Spraying 40g Zineb in 18L of water provides excellent control.

3. Flat Leaf/Fasciation

Causal Organism: Fungus; Botryodiplodia theobromae

First reported from Maharashtra and Gujarat by Khurana and Singh in 1972.

Symptoms:

• The branches become flattened.
• These flattened branches are often rough, corrugated and twisted at the tip.

Management:

• Removing and destroying the flattened shoots can control the disease.

4. Red Rust

Causal Organism: Algae; Cephaleuros vrsicolor

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