Mango twig tip dieback spreading in the NT as more trees get bulldozed

An agricultural crisis is unfolding in the Northern Territory, where an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 mango trees have been bulldozed. Growers are currently battling a devastating fungal disease known as mango twig tip dieback (MTTD), which has severely impacted farms throughout the Greater Darwin region.

The disease has proven particularly aggressive toward the Kensington Pride (KP) variety. It is estimated that as many as 90 per cent of KP orchards in the Darwin region have suffered some level of infection.

Trevor Dunmall, chief executive of Australian Mangoes, described the situation as a serious issue for the industry. He noted the severity of the crisis, observing orchards where sick trees have been bulldozed and prepared for burning.

Understanding the Pathogen

For a significant period, the cause of the dieback remained a mystery. Researchers have since identified the disease as being linked to plant stress and Botryosphaeriaceae fungi.

The disease targets branches, twigs and young shoots. This results in reduced yield, reduced flowering, and a thinning of the canopy, which can eventually stop a tree from bearing fruit and kill it entirely.

According to the NT Department of Agriculture, the dieback is increasing in both mature and young trees across multiple cultivars. The department noted that the disease is difficult to manage once it has established itself in an orchard.

Did You Know? Up to 90 per cent of Kensington Pride mango orchards in the Darwin region are estimated to have some level of infection from mango twig tip dieback.

Management and Mitigation Strategies

Experts warn that no single control method is likely to be effective on its own. Instead, the disease requires integrated management and continued research.

The NT Department of Agriculture has advised growers to protect vulnerable flushes, especially during the wet season, and to avoid pruning during humid and wet conditions if possible. They also suggest reassessing high-stress floral induction practices.

Early detection remains critical. Pruning out infected twigs may help minimise yield loss and reduce the overall spread of the pathogen.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the situation in Darwin highlights a critical vulnerability in monoculture-leaning orchards. The reliance on highly susceptible varieties like Kensington Pride creates a high-stakes environment where the intersection of plant stress and endemic pathogens can lead to rapid, large-scale agricultural loss.

The Role of AI and Innovation

The disease is spread via spores produced on dead branches, twigs, and leaves, which are then dispersed by rain splash and wind. To combat this, new technology is being trialled in the field.

Australian agtech company BioScout has introduced an automated microscopy unit that monitors airborne spores in real time. Charles Simons of BioScout stated that the AI has been trained to detect spores associated with MTTD.

This technology could allow farmers to receive alerts regarding the risks to their crops, potentially informing them when to avoid pruning or when to apply treatments.

Future Outlook and Government Response

The NT government has committed $1 million over two years in its 2025 budget to fund an integrated research programme. This effort includes experimenting with encapsulated fungicides injected directly into trunks.

While outbreaks are currently confined to the Greater Darwin region, the broader industry is monitoring the situation closely. Researchers are focusing on why symptoms are expressing so severely in Darwin, as the linked pathogens are endemic across many other regions.

If AI monitoring and integrated management prove successful, growers may be able to get on top of the issue. A combination of better understanding and the expertise of young farmers in the NT could lead to a victory in this agricultural battle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mango twig tip dieback (MTTD)?

MTTD is a complex, stress-driven plant disease linked to Botryosphaeriaceae fungi. It affects the young shoots, branches, and twigs of mango trees, leading to canopy thinning and reduced yields.

How does MTTD spread between trees?

The disease is spread through spores produced on the leaves and dead branches of infected trees, which are then carried by the wind or dispersed via rain splash.

Is there a single cure for the disease?

Currently, there is no single effective control method or specific fungicide for MTTD. It requires an integrated management approach, including strategic pruning and stress reduction.

Do you believe AI technology will become the primary tool for preventing agricultural disease outbreaks in the future?