Lime Tree Diseases

Trees belonging to the citrus family, including the lime tree, are best suited for growing in tropical and sub tropical areas. If possible, lime trees should be planted in the areas that receive optimum southern sunlight, preferably in the areas where the temperature ranges between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Another important growing criteria for lime tree is proper drainage of the soil. Lime trees cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogged conditions and air pockets in the soil.

Speaking about the aftercare tips for growing lime trees, these plants are heavy feeders. Hence, regular supplementation of the soil with nitrogen fertilizers and farmyard compost is recommended. Even though the plant cannot tolerate water retention soil, frequent watering is necessary for better growth. In case of any imbalance in the tree requirements, either environmental conditions or plant nutrients, disease infestations may be observed in the plant leaves, stem and fruits. Let's discuss in depth about lime tree diseases.

Common Diseases of Lime Tree

Similar to other garden trees, the lime tree is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Lime tree diseases, if not controlled at the right time, may reduce the lime production to a certain extent. In commercial plantation of lime trees, the diseases may also spread from one plant to another, thus affecting the total fruit yield. Hence, initial control measures should be always be taken in order to to tackle lime tree problems. Following are the some of the lime tree diseases that are observed in majority of the lime species.

Scab Disease: Scab disease in lime trees is caused by the fungus, Elsinoe fawcetti. This lime tree disease usually affects the leaves and fruits. In affected leaves, the areas are discolored and raised from the surrounding leaf surfaces. In case of severe leaf infestations, falling of leaves may occur. In case of fruits, the affected areas become light colored and raised. Chemical control by spraying appropriate fungicide is recommended for controlling the scab disease.

Sooty Mold: Sooty mold is caused due to pest infestations, especially citrus whitefly. These pests secrete fluids that attracts molds, which in turn causes black color discoloration on the affected leaves and fruits. Pest control measures to kill the whitefly and other related insect species should be followed for controlling this disease.

Foot Rot: Foot rot, like in other plants, is caused due to the soil borne fungus Phytophthora species. As the name suggests, this fungus causes rotting of the stem at the base portion. The main cause for foot rot disease is excess soil water accumulation. Some effective control methods include basic cultural measures like preventing injury, controlling weeds and avoiding excess soil moisture.

Citrus Canker: Citrus canker is caused due to infection by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis. It is considered as one of the devastating lime diseases that affects the leaves, stem, twigs and fruits. Affected leaves and fruits develop lesions and fall prematurely. Preventive measures of this disease include planting resistant cultivars and spraying bactericides.

Greasy Spot: Greasy spot is another fungal disease caused by the species Mycosphaerella citri. The notable symptoms include defoliation on a large scale and loss of tree vigor. The affected leaves and fruits develop large brownish to black greasy spots. Spraying of fungicides and regular cleaning of fallen affected leaves will help in controlling this lime tree disease.

In addition to these diseases, leaf fall is also a common lime tree problem. The major cause behind this problem is the temperature fluctuations and scale insect infestations. Providing the trees with the right temperature conditions and manual removal of the insects can effectively solve the lime tree leaf problem.