Pest and Disease Management in Lemon Cultivation

The lemon tree grows in a subtropical climate and bears a sour yellow-colored fruit when ripe. Most of the lemon species are native to the tropical Southeastern parts of Asia i.e. India and China. The fruit bears many medicinal properties and usage like its juice is beneficial for somebody with conditions of asthma, arthritis, headaches, etc. 

Let’s talk about insect/ pest control, diseases, and remedies for lemon trees: 

Lemon tree insect and pest control: 

Oil sprays are effective for Asian citrus psyllid. This insect damages the lemon tree as they feed on it and hampers its growth because of its toxic saliva. Frequent sprays of oil are very effective in keeping this insect away and also do not render any ill effects of chemical pesticides to the tree. 

Another pest by the name citrus rust mites also hampers lemon trees by attacking the immature fruits, foliage and leaves. Repeated sprays of oil will keep them away too.  

Diseases and their remedies: 

- Citrus canker: 

A profoundly infectious bacterial infection, citrus canker causes yellow corona-like sores on fruits, leaves, and twigs of lemon trees. Whenever permitted to advance unchecked, this lemon tree issue will in the long run result in dieback, fruit, and leaf loss. The disease spreads through the air as well as birds, bugs, and even people. Spray copper fungicide as a deterrent for treating citrus canker lemon sickness. In the event that the tree is as of now tainted, there is no treatment and the tree should be obliterated. 

- Greasy spot: 

Another fungal disease is Greasy spot which incorporates symptoms like yellow earthy colored blisters on the belly side of the leaves. As the disease advances, the blisters start to look slick and oily. Treating requires spraying of copper fungicide. Splash first in June and catch up with another application in August.  

- Sooty mold fungus: 

Sooty mold fungal infection causes black leaves in lemon trees. This form is the consequence of honeydew discharged from aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, etc. To get rid of Sooty mold infection, you should initially control the insect outbreak and then splash the lemon tree with Neem oil insecticide spray, on both the sides of the leaves. Repeat the same after 2 weeks, contingent on the degree of the invasion. At last treat the mold growth with copper fungicide.  

- Phytophthora fungus: 

Phytophthora fungus causes root or collar decay in lemon trees. The infection results in hard dull earthy colored patches over the trunk of the tree. As the disease advances, the patches dry, split, and die leaving a dim, sunken region. Fruit may likewise be influenced by brown-colored rotted spots. This fungus lives in the dirt but latches up onto the tree during a heavy downpour of rain. To treat the infected tree, you should eliminate every tainted leaf and drop fruits from the ground. Pruning of lower branches and a spray of good fungicide are required for a full recovery.  

- Botrytis fungus: 

Botrytis fungus is one more contagious contamination that may harrow lemon trees. This disease normally creeps in after delayed rainy periods, ordinarily along the coastline. For this contagious contamination, spray the lemon tree with fungicide as per the producer's guidelines.   

- Anthracnose: 

Anthracnose fungal infection causes twigs to die back as well as leaf drops and spoiled fruits. It is caused by Colletotrichum fungi and is likewise more normal after delayed times of downpour. Just like Botrytis, spray or shower the lemon tree with a fungicide.