Mango blackening caused by sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) complex is a kind of cosmetic skin problem and causes only superficial damage on the mango fruit surface. The fungi that cause them, grow on the surface of the cuticle and do not damage the fruit itself. But cause losses in commercial mango production because affected fruits are rejected in fresh market grades to much cheaper rate which causes financial loss to the mango growers and traders. As such there is no technology available in India to remove this malady of mango. Dipping of fruits in mango wash @1000ppm having pH of 6.5 for 15 mins removes around 95% blemishes from the fruit surface without any peel injury. This formula was evaluated on five different varieties of mangoes (Alpnonso, Neelum, Amrapalli, Totapuri and Maylepelian) and found to be effective.
