There is nothing better than a lemon tree in your garden. Lemon trees are relatively easy to care for, and they also grow well in different climates and conditions. Their main advantage is that they bear fruit quickly. However, they are susceptible to a long list of pests and diseases. If you don't catch them in time, you may not get any fruit at all. We will show you the most well-known lemon tree diseases and the remedies for curing them.
Lesions on leaves – lemon canker
One of the most common diseases is lemon canker. This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri and first attacks the leaves of the tree. Lesions appear on both sides of the leaves that look like small craters surrounded by a yellow ring. If left untreated, they spread to the trunks and fruits.
Prevention is the only “cure” for citrus canker. Preventive copper bactericides are often used. However, if you discover an infection with lemon canker, your only option is to destroy your lemon tree.
Black mold spots – sooty mold
Sooty mold is a common disease on many plants affected by aphids. Sooty mold grows on the sticky substance secreted by aphids known as honeydew. This mold is black, and although it is not harmful to plants, it prevents photosynthesis, which has devastating consequences. A severe infestation of aphids leads to the death of the lemon tree. Your tree's leaves and branches will look like they're dusted with ash and covered in black dirt.
One of the best ways to prevent your lemon tree from getting sooty mold is toElimination of aphids. Another option is to spray the leaves with a spray bottle containing alcohol sprays and horticultural oils. Introducing natural aphid hunters is another good option. Ladybugs are great little aphid eaters that won't harm your plants or other beneficial insects.
Lemon tree diseases: Botrytis blight
Botrytis cinerea, the fungus that causes this disease, grows best in high humidity and is most common after long periods of rain. It is easily spread by wind and rain. Once it lands on your lemon tree, all it needs is onelittle moistureto germinate. The fungus quickly attacks leaves, small branches, flowers and even the lemons, leaving behind a brown or gray mold and dark brown spots. Botrytis blight can be easily prevented. Lemon trees planted in the sunniest spot in the garden and properly spaced will prevent the conditions in which the disease spreads. If you spot botrytis blight on your tree's leaves, cut them off immediately.
Brown spots with dark outlines – anthracnose
Of the lemon tree diseases caused by fungi, one must pay attention to anthracnose. It attacks leaves, shoots and twigs. Like most fungal diseases, it initially presents as strangely colored lesions in the affected areas. These spots are browned and have a noticeable dark outline that looks like a bruise. Over time, the center of these lesions becomes dark in color, and small black spots often appear as the fungus spreads. It spreads quickly and easily, especially during the wettest times of the year. As devastating as anthracnose can be, you can easily control it. Simply remove any plant debris from the base of your lemon tree. You must then cut off and destroy all infected branches and leaves. You may want to use copper-based fungicides and neem oil to prevent the fungus from taking root.
Another disease is lemon scab. This fungal infection doesn't harm the fruit and you can still eat it - it just doesn't look good. However, if it is left completely unattended, the health of your tree will deteriorate and it will no longer be able to bear fruit. The disease also affects branches and leaves, causing them to become misshapen and wither. If your lemon tree is infected, it will appear stunted and bushy. As always, your first line of defense is good garden hygiene and proper watering. Many suggest cutting down the infected tree to avoid harmful fungicides that could harm other plants in the garden.
Yellowing leaves: chlorosis
If you notice yellowing on your lemon tree's leaves, you may have a case of chlorosis. Many factors can cause leaves to yellow. Sometimes it's poor drainage or too alkaline soil. Compacted soil and damaged roots can also lead to chlorosis. Sometimes you can also see yellow veins running through the lush green leaves. This form of chlorosis, also called yellow vein chlorosis, could mean your tree is suffering from a nitrogen deficiency. Increase the nitrogen levels the next time you fertilize, and your tree will take care of it itself.
Lemon tree diseases: Citrus leaf miner
Citrus leaf miners are small moths native to Asia. The adult moths are not the problem, their larvae are. Female moths usually lay their eggs on the underside of leaves. Over time, the leaves become distorted and the growth of the younger leaves may be affected. Pupation occurs within the edge of the leaf. After just a week you can see their traces everywhere on the leaves. It is important to know that thissmall pestsdo not attack the fruits themselves, but only the leaves. The best method for combating citrus leaf miners is to use beneficial insects. Parasitic wasps and spiders are great insects to introduce into your garden. They can destroy most of the larvae within a few days.
