Lemon Tree Bark Splitting (forum)

Nuffy starts with ...
We had a large harvest of lemons last year, but most were not good quality.
The tree hadnt had much attention for a while (we had just moved in) so we did a hard prune in Winter last year (July-Aug in Sydney). No frosts.
We have new foliage but no flowers or fruit this year which we figure is normal. But noticed that we have a number of splits in the bark on the branches and some orange coloured growth (see pic). Any ideas what this is and what to do to treat?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2

Time: 1st May 2016 4:02pm

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About the Author Nuffy
Sydney
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GG says...
Hi,
This is a fungal attack. It is a root/collar rot from the look of it. Common for citrus. There is not much you can do other than remove the tree and as many roots as possible. Leave nothing behind and bin or burn it, don't compost. If you replace it with another citrus tree before you plant it, treat the new tree with phosphorous acid (eg yates anti-rot phosacid systemic fungicide). This treatment is preventative, not curative, so continue treatment as instructions after planting. Keep the base of the new tree clear of other vegetation and don't forget to fertilise.
Goodluck,
GG.

Time: 23rd May 2016 9:50am

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About the Author GG
Lindfield
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Nuffy says...
Thanks GG. I was hoping it wasn't going to be fatal. We have two other dwarf citrus trees in pots on the other side of the yard, are they at risk too?
Nuffy

Time: 23rd May 2016 7:48pm

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About the Author Nuffy
Sydney
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GG says...
Hi again,
Are the others at risk? Yes. Will they inevitably get it? No.
I have known people who have had a tree be severely effected and no other citrus in their garden get it. Others have watched all their citrus rot away in slow succession.
These fungi are soilborne and generally invade very old trees, but will infect younger trees where the conditions benefit the fungi more than the tree.
If you keep the roots healthy, use fertilisers that contain some phosphorus, not over water in winter, and keep other plants away from their base, they should be fine. But remember once they get infected there is no cure.
Goodluck,
GG


Time: 24th May 2016 4:22pm

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About the Author GG
Lindfield
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