Sad Tamarillo (forum)

Roy starts with ...
About 2-3 weeks ago my thriving Tamarillo suddenly got yellowing leaves - starting at the bottom of the plant. Does anyone have any suggestions as to the problem. It is in well drained soil, a sunny wind-sheltered position, has a trickle watering system which is activated every other day. It gets monthly Seasol/Powerfeed. It doesn't appear to have any Pests on it either. I am at a loss as to what is the problem. Any suggestions are welcomed.
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Time: 13th November 2011 11:22pm

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Original Post was last edited: 13th November 2011 11:33pm

About the Author Roy4
Sydney
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john says...
Check the under-surface of the leaves carefully;you may find masses of tiny aphids.

Time: 14th November 2011 8:32am

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ncoast
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Kathy says...
I'd also wander if your tree is getting enough water. Is your drip line actually working? Is the amount of drip enough to give moisture to the roots of this tree? It looks very dry - have you had a long dry spell (we have) - perhaps this tree (which does not like a drought!) needs a regular downpour to supplement the water from the drip line.
I hope you save it - it looks so sad - and you obviously have given it a great deal of care,
kathy

Time: 14th November 2011 8:48pm

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About the Author kathyturner
Malecy, Qld
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John Mc says...
From this angle it looks like the garden is on a very steep slope? Would the drip irrigation be penetrating deep enough? Although, you've had some good rain lately so the moisture level must be OK. I couldn't imagine it receiving too much water causing root rot, that's how I lost one of mine. You can always take some cuttings as insurance.

Time: 14th November 2011 9:22pm

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About the Author JohnMc1
Warnervale NSW
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snottiegobble says...
Going by my experience with a tamarillo last summer here in WA I would say both aphids & serious lack of water are responsible. The aphids seem to target already stressed plants!

Time: 15th November 2011 2:34am

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About the Author snottiegobble
Bunbury/Busso (smackin the middle)
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Roy says...
Thanks for the possibilities everyone. I checked for aphids and it seems to be free of them.
Yes the garden is on a real slope and I wonder too if it is a lack of water although we have had some good regular downpours. I will re-check the dripper and I have now increased the flow rate too. Many Thanks.

Time: 16th November 2011 7:49am

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About the Author Roy4
Sydney
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