Sick Lemon Tree (forum)

Tim starts with ...
Hi,

I planted this Lemon tree in late march. For the first few months it did very, very well. I noticed good growth and it looked very healthy. I keep it well fed and watered. However around 1 month ago it started to look a bit sick. The leaves curled up slowly (to what they look like in the picture now) and looked terrible. I thought it might have been under watered/fed ( as I had backed off in the last month) so I gave it a bit of tlc but it only got worse.

I've had a few suggestions from different people as to have a fungus etc, which I don't want to admit sounds very likely. Any suggestions as to what I can do to salvage this plant (if possible, I've become quite attached and don't want to give up) that would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks,

Tim.

Time: 3rd July 2011 1:44pm

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Original Post was last edited: 3rd July 2011 4:11pm

About the Author Tim9
VIC
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amanda says...
Hi Tim, would be really helpful to see the photo?
It could just be that it's winter :) Not much point feeding it anymore now - and if it's raining - you may be overwatering it also?
Is it dying from the tips back, dropping leaves, or anything like that?



Time: 3rd July 2011 3:26pm

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About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. Mide West WA.
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Mike says...
The picture would help alot.Leaf curling in lemons could be aphids,leaf miners,copper or calcium deficiency.Deficiency is unlikely unless overfed with one sort of fertliser unless the soil ph is too low or high.More information is needed to know what to do.I would agree with amanda in not fertlising it and don't spray rogor on it.That would be sinking the slipper in while it's down.

Time: 3rd July 2011 4:07pm

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Cairns
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Tim says...
Sorry guys, I thought that I uploaded the photo with the original post. Must have missed it. I thought about overwatering which is why I cut right back. The soil drains really well and keeps slightly moist. I think it's definitely moving from the tip of the lead to the trunk.

I'll stop feeding it, I gave it a decent feed a couple of weeks ago. I have no intentions of spraying with any kind of insecticide. A friend suggested soaking in a water/vinegar solution if its got fungus.

What else can I do to help identify the issue?

And also, thanks very much. I really appreciate your help guys.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1

Time: 3rd July 2011 4:11pm

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Original Post was last edited: 3rd July 2011 4:15pm

About the Author Tim9
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Mike says...
The leaf is showing signs of nutrient problems rather than insect attack or superficial fungal disease.It could be calcium and one of the others that shows up as yellowing between the veins.Even with the charts of leaf symptoms it is not just a matter of supplying what it looks like is deficient.With root rot fungi,heavy clay 'panning' soil or a very low or high ph, that won't help.Mulching and foliar nutrients (when it is warmer) should help no matter what is the cause and correcting soil ph or spraying with a phosphonate 'tonic' could help with root fungus problems also.

Time: 3rd July 2011 4:46pm

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Cairns
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amanda says...
Hi Tim, most citrus get the 'winter yellows' in cooler climates (even a little in mine - which is much warmer than VIC)
Might be worth digging down to some roots and checking that they are still healthy looking and not dying first though. Also check around the area where the trunk meets the soil - make sure there are no cankers or collar rot.

My guess (if the leaves are all like the pic) is that the problem is in the soil (either overwatered or a root rot)
Or - you have overdone it with fertilisers at a time when the tree was too freshly planted. I use only weak seasol on new plantings until I see new growth pushing through (cos' then I know the tree has establised itself)

I would leave it alone now (barring a root rot/collar rot) and hope it takes off again in spring. It may not make it though (the reason being that the leaf above is showing some serious looking dehydration. Was it fresh picked? This would indicate that the root system may be had it...)

Time: 3rd July 2011 8:00pm

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Original Post was last edited: 3rd July 2011 8:02pm

About the Author amanda19
Geraldton. Mide West WA.
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Chris says...
Do nothing now in winter.
However if you have overwatered I'd be inclined to give it a spray of Yates Anti-rot.



Time: 3rd July 2011 10:24pm

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About the Author Chris
Sydney
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Tim says...
So, I think this tree is a write off. This is what it looks like currently. It is definitely more than winter taking its toll no?

I haven't touched it in over a month. A family member decided it would be good to cut off all the leaves without telling me, hence the no leaves.

I am slightly attached to this tree , so I'd like to save it. But really I could have done anything too if from you guys have suggested.

From these photos what would you guys do?

Much appreciated everyone.

- Tim.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2

Time: 30th July 2011 4:04pm

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Chris says...
Hmmm....don't like your chances. You should at least wait until spring and see what flush of growth you get.
Failing that you'd probably best to get another tree. It may provide you fruit earlier in the long run, if you establish it right.

Time: 31st July 2011 12:28am

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About the Author Chris
Sydney
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Brendan says...
Hi Tim,
Next tree you grow, don't have a big post next to it, that 'could' be causing all your problems?
When planting, don't introduce any foreign soil/potting mix into the hole.
September / October is a good time to plant trees :-)

Time: 31st July 2011 7:16am

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About the Author Brendan
Mackay, Q
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LindaSwesey says...
I have noticed a fungus or something to that nature on the trunk and lower branches/leaves of my lemon tree. I also see some ants present.
Please if there is something I can do to fix this before Ioose my young tree.. Thanks in advance.. Linda
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2

Time: 17th May 2012 8:20am

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Original Post was last edited: 17th May 2012 8:21am

About the Author LindaSwesey
Clearlake Oaks, CA
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MaryT says...
Hi LindaSwesey; it looks like the ants are farming scale insects (the white stuff) on your tree. the Scale exudes a honeydew (food for ants) that Sooty Mould (the black stuff) thrives on so the three things are related.

Amanda's posted good advice about it on this forum on another thread:

https://www.daleysfruit.com.au/forum/sooty-mould/

Time: 17th May 2012 8:56am

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About the Author MaryT
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Brendan says...
Hi Linda, I'd spray the tree with diluted Pest Oil, it's won't burn the tree as much as White Oil. You could add some Pyrethrum to the Pest Oil as well.
Or, try this homemade oil spray: http://www.annettemcfarlane.com/Doityourself.htm

Time: 18th May 2012 7:41am

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About the Author Brendan
Mackay, Q
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