How to Control Fungi on an Orange Tree
Fungal disease is one of the most common problems that orange tree growers encounter. And while most fungal diseases will not kill the tree, they can be unsightly. Melanose can scab the fruit rind. Greasy spot gives leaves unsightly blisters and sooty mold turns leaves black. Luckily, most orange tree fungi can be easily treated without the need of chemical treatment. However, it is important to take in affected foliage to your local garden center to be sure that you are dealing with and treating the right disease.
Remove any affected leaves, fruit or wood immediately. Remove any affected leaves or limbs that are still attached to the tree. Then, collect any fallen leaves or dead wood from around the tree. Dead limbs that are unaffected should also be pruned from your fruit tree to prevent new fungal growth. Set some of the affected foliage aside to take to your local garden center. Discard (do not compost) the rest.
- Fungal disease is one of the most common problems that orange tree growers encounter.
- And while most fungal diseases will not kill the tree, they can be unsightly.
Treat an infestation. Sooty mold fungus grows on the secretions left behind by scales, whiteflies and aphids. If the infestation is not controlled, the fungus will simply crop up again. Once you remove the affected leaves, treat the tree with an organic insecticide.
Treat the tree with liquid copper fungicide if necessary. Removal of the infected foliage should be your primary defense and fungicide should only be used as a last resort. One application of liquid copper fungicide is enough to control most fungi. However, if the infestation persists, follow up with subsequent treatments every two weeks until the fungi disappear. For amount and application methods, consult the manufacturer's instructions.
- Sooty mold fungus grows on the secretions left behind by scales, whiteflies and aphids.
- Treat the tree with liquid copper fungicide if necessary.
Tip
Greasy spot fungus is the exception to Step 3. Once the fungus is identified, remove the affected foliage and then treat the tree with liquid copper fungal spray in June or July. Follow that up with another treatment in August.
Warning
When handling fungicide, be sure to use a face ventilator, pants, shoes, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and a head covering.
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References
Tips
- Greasy spot fungus is the exception to Step 3. Once the fungus is identified, remove the affected foliage and then treat the tree with liquid copper fungal spray in June or July. Follow that up with another treatment in August.
Warnings
- When handling fungicide, be sure to use a face ventilator, pants, shoes, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and a head covering.
Writer Bio
Based in Houston, Texas, Meg Butler is a professional farmer, house flipper and landscaper. When not busy learning about homes and appliances she's sharing that knowledge. Butler began blogging, editing and writing in 2000. Her work has appered in the "Houston Press" and several other publications. She has an A.A. in journalism and a B.A. in history from New York University.
