Citrus Mal Secco Information: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

Mal Secco is an extremely serious fungal disease that mainly affects lemon trees , but also other citrus fruits . Caused by the fungus Phoma (Deuterophoma) tracheiphila , this disease is widespread in the Mediterranean basin, with the exception of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. At Agrumiverse , as a supplier of citrus plants and a specialist in citrus growing , we not only provide high-quality plants, but also technical advice to help citrus growers prevent this serious threat.

Symptoms of Mal Secco

Mal secco presents a series of specific symptoms that affect the leaves, branches, and sometimes the entire tree. It is crucial to detect these signs as early as possible to limit the spread of the disease.

On the leaves:

• Discoloration and Chlorosis: The disease causes discoloration of the leaves, often visible at the veins.
• Wilting and drying out: Leaves wilt and dry out, but usually remain attached to the branches.

On the branches:

• Dieback: Branches gradually die back, with symptoms often appearing at the tips first.
• Orange discoloration: When an infected branch is cut, a characteristic orange discoloration appears in the wood.
• Offshoots: The tree reacts by producing offshoots at the base of the trunk and on infected branches.

On the whole tree:

• Progressive death: In advanced cases, the infection leads to the progressive death of the entire tree.

Citrus Species Affected by Mal Secco

Although Mal Secco can affect several citrus species, some are more vulnerable than others. Here's an overview:

Very sensitive:

• Lemon tree: This is the species most seriously affected and most vulnerable to Mal Secco.

Sensitive:

• Lime tree

Moderately sensitive:

• Orange tree
• Mandarin
• Clementine

Less sensitive:

• Grapefruits

Prevention of Mal Secco

Prevention is essential, as there is currently no fully effective curative treatment for Mal Secco. At Agrumiverse , as a citrus plant wholesaler , we recommend the following practices to protect your crops:

• Avoid injury: Avoid injuring the tree during pruning or maintenance operations, as this can facilitate entry of the fungus.
• Disinfect tools: Clean pruning tools thoroughly with appropriate disinfectants to avoid spreading disease between trees.
• Pruning in dry weather: Do not prune trees in wet or rainy weather to avoid making the situation worse.
• Avoid working the soil during wet periods: This can limit the spread of the fungus. Instead, work on the soil during dry periods.
• Choose resistant varieties: When possible, select citrus varieties that are tolerant or resistant to Mal Secco.

Treatment of Mal Secco

There is no fully effective curative treatment for Mal Secco. However, some biological control methods have shown promising results:

• Biological control: Certain bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas , such as P. fluorescens and P. putida , can inhibit the growth of the fungus responsible for Mal Secco.
• Chemical Treatments: To date, sources do not mention specific chemical treatments for Mal Secco. Prevention therefore remains essential.

Important Points to Remember

• Serious disease: Mal Secco can cause the death of trees, especially lemon trees.
• No curative treatment: Once established, the disease is very difficult to eradicate, making prevention essential.
• Importance of prevention: As a supplier to professional citrus growers , we strongly advise early detection and the adoption of preventive measures to protect your orchards.

FAQ

What are the main symptoms of Mal Secco?

Symptoms include discoloration and drying of leaves, dieback of branches, and an orange discoloration of the wood in infected branches.

Which citrus fruits are most affected by Mal Secco?

The lemon tree is the most vulnerable species, but other citrus trees such as lime , orange and mandarin can also be affected.

How to prevent the appearance of Mal Secco?

Prevention includes practices such as disinfecting tools, avoiding injuries, and choosing resistant citrus plants from quality suppliers like Agrumiverse .

Are there any effective treatments for Mal Secco?

There is no completely effective curative treatment, but certain antagonistic bacteria can help inhibit the growth of the responsible fungus.

Why is it important to prevent Mal Secco?

Prevention is crucial because once the disease takes hold, it can cause significant losses. As a citrus specialist , Agrumiverse recommends rigorous preventative measures.

How can Agrumiverse help prevent Mal Secco?

Agrumiverse offers a wide range of grafted citrus plants and resistant rootstocks , accompanied by personalized technical advice to prevent and limit the risks of fungal diseases.