Loquat is an evergreen tree grown for its small, yellow/orange edible fruit. Loquat trees are susceptible to minor pests and diseases as well as more serious issues like fire blight. In order to control loquat fire blight, it is crucial to learn how to identify fire blight of loquats. The following information will help to identify the disease and provide tips on how to treat fire blight in loquat plants.
What is Fire Blight of Loquats?
Fire blight of loquats is a serious bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovaora. The first signs of the disease occur in the early spring when temps are above 60 F. (16 C.) and the weather is a typical spring mix of rain and humidity. This disease attacks some plants in the rose family, Rosaceae, to which loquat belongs. It may also infect:
Symptoms of a Loquat with Fire Blight
First, infected flowers turn black and die off. As the disease progresses, it moves down the branches causing young twigs curl and blacken. Foliage on infected branches also blacken and wilt but remain attached to the plant, making it look as if it has been burned. Cankers appear on branches and on the main stem of the tree. During rainy periods, a wet substance may drip from infected plant parts. Fire blight may afflict blossoms, stems, leaves and fruit and can be spread by both insects and rain. Affected fruit shrivels and blackens and the overall health of the plant can be compromised.
How to Treat Fire Blight in Loquat Trees
Loquat fire blight control relies on good sanitation and the removal of all infected plant parts. When the tree is dormant in the winter, prune out any infected areas at least 12 inches (30 cm.) below the infected tissue. Disinfect pruning shears between cuts with one-part bleach to 9 parts water. If possible, burn any infected material. Minimize damage to tender young shoots that can become open to infection as much as possible. Do not fertilize with too much nitrogen since this stimulates new growth that is most at risk for infection. Chemical sprays can prevent bloom infection but may require several applications. When the tree is just beginning to bloom, or just prior to bloom, apply spray every 3-5 days until the tree is finished blooming. Re-spray immediately after raining.
-
Growing Spotted Bee Balm: Find Out How To Grow Horsemint For Your Pollinator GardenFor anyone looking to cultivate native flowering plants that attract pollinators, spotted bee balm is a must! We show you how to grow horsemint for friendly garden visitors
-
6 Real Christmas Tree Problems To Watch Out For – And How To Fix Them FastGet back to enjoying the glory of your natural Christmas tree with our guide to troubleshooting common issues, from needle drop to watering woes.
-
Loquat Leaf Drop: Reasons A Loquat Is Losing LeavesLoquat trees are prone to a few issues, namely loquat leaf drop. Don?t panic if the leaves are falling off your loquat. Click this article to find out why the loquat is losing leaves and what to do if your loquat is dropping leaves.
-
My Loquat Tree Is Dropping Fruit – Why Are Loquats Dropping Off TreeIt is particularly sad when you notice premature loquat fruit drop. Why is my loquat tree dropping fruit, you may ask? For information about loquats dropping off trees in your orchard, click on the article that follows.
-
Growing Loquat Seeds – Learn About Loquat Seed GerminationPlanting loquat from seeds is easy, although because of grafting you can't expect to get a tree that produces the same fruit. If you're growing loquat seeds for ornamental purposes, though, you should be fine. Learn more about loquat seed germination here.
-
Fruitless Loquat Tree: Getting A Loquat Tree To Bloom And FruitAs with any fruiting tree, there may be a year of a fruitless loquat tree. Often this coincides with a loquat tree that won't flower. No loquat blossoms equals no fruit. Why is the loquat not blooming and are there any tricks to help? Find out in this article.
-
Loquat Tree Planting: Learning About Growing Loquat Fruit TreesOrnamental as well as practical, loquat trees make excellent lawn specimen trees. Large clusters of attractive fruit stand out against the dark green, tropical-looking foliage. Learn more about growing them here.
