Citrus Leaf Curl (forum)

Scott 10 starts with ...
Recently several of my citrus trees have developed inward curling leaves. This doesn't seem to be related to pests but thinking it may be a deficiency of some type. Attached photos are of my Pomelo and Ponkan Mandarin but also experiencing this on blood orange also.

They are getting adequate water.

Any ideas would be welcomed :)
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 10th January 2017 10:23pm

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About the Author Scott 10
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Brain says...
My guess is, there would have been a period of very hot and dry conditions and the plants responded by folding and curling the leaves to reduce surface area (in the sun) to conserve evaporation.

Normally, if it's not prolonged, in a few days, after a bit of water (or rain), the leaves will revert back to normal. However, it can sometimes become permanent. i.e. stay in that shape.

BTW, where did you get the PONKAN mandarin? It's not a variety I've seen in the shops of late.

Time: 11th January 2017 1:38pm

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About the Author Brain
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Scott 10 says...
Thanks Brian, I did wonder if this may have been the case but was a bit worried that it may have been some sort of deficiency (mineral or something).

The Ponkan is seed grown and about 1.5 years old at the moment, not yet bearing. I was given a few seeds from a friend who had a batch a few years back. You are welcome to have some seeds once it starts to fruit but imagine that this will still be a while off. It's apparently a really nice mandarin. I was also able to get some Mato Buntan Pomello seeds from him too and have a tree of about the same age.

Time: 13th January 2017 1:42pm

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Brain says...
your leaves are glossy green and uniform in colour, so definitely the opposite of any deficiencies. I dare say you've done quite well with them. Good on you.

The recent heat wave is probably cooking the citrus trees, so must keep up the watering, maybe every 2nd day at least.

Well, I've read that from seed, at least 5 to 8 years to fruit, under optimal conditions. And another trick is, the tree must be allowed to grow to full size - something to do with node counts. Anyway, I'm less patience, and have grafted ones. But like any obsessed growers, always on the look out for 'new' varieties. I'll hit you up when you have some fruits :).

I've read that the Ponkan will be true to type. However might be a different story with the pummelo, as the citrus maxima are generally monoembryonic.

It's probably too early to think about shaping the tree, definitely not in the middle of summer but something worth looking into.



Time: 14th January 2017 9:52pm

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