Citrus Brown Rot: Symptoms, Prevention and Control

Agrumiverse , as a supplier of citrus plants and a specialist in citrus growing, presents you with all the essential information on brown rot, a fungal disease that can affect your citrus crops.

What is citrus brown rot?

Brown rot is a fungal disease caused by fungi of the genus Monilinia . This fungus mainly attacks the fruit and aerial parts of the tree, causing their rapid deterioration. Although this disease is common in humid climates, it can also spread to drier areas if conditions are favorable.

Symptoms of Citrus Brown Rot

Symptoms of brown rot vary depending on the severity of the infection and the citrus species affected. The most common signs include:

• Fruit Rot: Infected fruit develops brown or black spots, often accompanied by white or gray mold.
• Defoliation: Leaves may turn yellow and fall prematurely, affecting the tree's ability to photosynthesize.
• Branch Dieback: In the most severe cases, infected branches die back, compromising the health of the tree.
• Spots and mold: Fruits have black or grayish spots, even those still attached to the tree.

Citrus species affected by brown rot

Brown rot can affect most cultivated citrus fruits. Here are some commonly infected species:

• Lemon
• Green lemon tree
• Clementine
• Kumquat
• Buddha's Hand
• Satsuma Mandarin
• Mandarin
• Orange tree
• Grapefruits

Prevention and control of brown rot

Prevention is essential to protect your orchards from brown rot. Here are some recommended practices:

• Treating Wounds: Immediately treat any wounds on the tree with a healing putty.
• Humidity Management: Limit excess humidity to prevent the spread of fungus.
• Mummified Fruit Removal: Remove rotten fruit that remains on the tree to prevent further spread.
• Pruning and removal of infected parts: Prune affected branches and burn them to limit infection.

Treatment of brown rot: fungicides and good practices

Although fungicide treatments are available to control brown rot, they should be used as a last resort. It is advisable to consult a specialist or crop protection advisor for specific recommendations on which products to use.

The importance of controlling brown rot for the sustainability of citrus orchards

Brown rot poses a serious threat to citrus production, but it can be controlled with a rigorous approach combining prevention and targeted treatment. At Agrumiverse , we offer quality citrus plants and dedicated technical support to help citrus growers meet these challenges.

Conclusion

Citrus brown rot can cause considerable damage if not detected and treated early. Symptoms such as fruit rot and branch dieback are warning signs that should not be ignored. At Agrumiverse , we understand the importance of supplying quality citrus plants and offer dedicated technical support to help citrus growers cope with these challenges.

FAQ

What are the first signs of brown rot on citrus fruits?

Early signs include fruit rot, fruit spots or mold, and branch defoliation and dieback.

How to prevent citrus brown rot?

Prevention includes pruning infected branches, moisture management, and applying healing sealant to tree wounds to prevent infection.

Which citrus fruits are most vulnerable to brown rot?

Lemon, mandarin, orange and grapefruit trees are particularly vulnerable, although almost all citrus species can be affected.

Can fungicides be used to treat brown rot?

Yes, but fungicides should be used as a last resort after implementing preventative measures. Consult a specialist to choose the right product.

What is mummified fruit and how does it contribute to the spread of brown rot?

A mummified fruit is a rotten fruit that remains attached to the tree and serves as a source of infection for the fungus. It must be removed and destroyed.

How important is moisture management to prevent brown rot?

Excessive humidity promotes fungal growth, so it is crucial to limit humidity, especially around fruit and leaves.