Edema or something else? (standard improved Meyer lemon)

9 years ago

[Los Angeles area]

My improved Meyer lemon (on a standard non-dwarfing rootstock) has been growing like gangbusters since planting a year ago. Recently, the underside of many of the leaves have started to become covered with rough brown spots. A number of the leaves fall off.

This is the only tree experiencing the issue of five trees on the same watering schedule (two blood orange, one minneola tangelo, one page mandarin, and this meyer lemon). The only difference is the others are all on semi-dwarf rootstock.

Is this edema (meaning cut back on watering) or something else (perhaps a fungal or bacterial issue)?

Top of leaves, backlit (no noticeable issues with tops of leaves, but you can see where whatever is happening is affecting the tissue)

Underside of leaves, note raised brown spots

Fallen leaf top and bottom

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Comments (4)

poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
I would spray with Neem oil and an insecticidal soap. This will probably fix the problem. Spray in the evening and If temperatures are to top 85F you will need to wash it off the next morning. If your temps are much higher go to your garden store and ask for something that kills spider mites.

6b Steve
lemonaid6b
9 years ago
Fungal? Looks like greasy spot
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johnmerr
9 years ago
I would be on the side of greasy spot... any good fungicide will control it; but especially important is keeping the floor under the tree clean.
Matt
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for feedback. Tackling with a combo of copper spray and horticultural oil (close enough to Neem for now) to start. I've not had good luck with insecticidal soap in the past (phytotoxicity problems). Will clean up leaf litter as John suggest as well. I'll update as situation changes or stays the same.