What Causes Citrus Foot Rot: Controlling Citrus Gummosis In Gardens

Citrus foot rot, often known as gummosis of citrus or brown rot of citrus trees, is a major disease that wreaks havoc on citrus trees around the world. Unfortunately, citrus foot rot isn’t curable but you may be able to prevent it from taking over your citrus orchards. Read on to learn more about citrus gummosis problems and what you can do to prevent the disease from spreading.

Citrus Gummosis Information

What causes citrus foot rot? Citrus foot rot is a disease caused by Phytophthora, an aggressive fungus that lives in the soil. Phytophthora requires moisture to move to trees via rain, irrigation, or whenever spores splash on tree trunks. Trees can develop citrus root rot symptoms very quickly in rainy weather and cool, moist climates.

Citrus Foot Rot Symptoms

Citrus foot rot symptoms include yellowing foliage and leaf dieback, along with reduced yield and smaller fruit. The term “gummosis” isn’t the name of a disease, but actually refers to a major symptom in which a gooey, dark brown, gum-like substance oozes from cracks and lesions in the bark. The water soaked, brownish or black lesions spread around the trunk, eventually girdling the tree. This may occur rapidly, or it may continue for several years, depending on environmental conditions.

Managing Citrus Gummosis Problems

Early detection of citrus foot rot is critical, but the initial signs may be difficult to spot. Here are some tips for managing gummosis of citrus: Ensure the soil drains well. You may need to consider planting trees on berms to improve drainage. Look closely at the bark of new trees before purchasing. Inspect citrus trees for symptoms several times per year. Water citrus trees properly, using a drip system to avoid overwatering. Avoid irrigating trees with drained water, as Phytophthora can be moved from one area to another in soil runoff. Limit mulching under citrus trees. Mulch slows drying of the soil, thus contributing to excess moisture and the development of citrus foot rot.