Orange Tree has a problem!

8 years ago

The tree was full of fruit, but the tree leaves are covered with black mold or something.

As a result the oranges are dark and blackish. When cut they are juicy and orange, but the skin is black.

No one wanted to eat them. They are not rotted, the black scrubs off with a brush.

I'm assuming the tree has some sort of mold...sooty mold?

We are not eating the fruit which is still hanging on the tree. The tree suddenly burst into bloom last week and is covered with flowers.

Should I spray the tree with copper or something safe to stop the mold.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Jane

When cut, it is juicy and looks normal. But we're afraid to eat them!

Featured Answer

judyk_2008 9a DeLeon Sprs. (NW Volusia)

8 years ago

As Carol says, it's a common problem that doesn't affect the fruit. I lived around citrus my whole life. You can get into a spraying program to solve it, but I personally never have bothered. You are lucky you still have fruit. Greening has pretty much finished my trees.

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Comments (9)

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
8 years ago
Common problem and as you have noticed, it does not affect fruit quality. I understand it' s often the result of whitefly, aphids etc., which secrete honeydew.

You can scrub it off and enjoy your fruit. It is not harmful, as far as I know.

I used to get it on our trees when they were being fertilized and sprayed by a service co. When I switched to organic practices, the problem disappeared.

Hope this helps.
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whgille
8 years ago
Jane, I spray a couple of times a year with all seasons oil spray, always use organic in my garden...And also you can use a strong hose to wash the fruit on the tree and if anything is leftover on the fruit, wash it with a sponge and soap and water and the fruit is good to eat.

My trees are also with fruit and loaded with blooms

Silvia
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
8 years ago
Here's some info from the University of FL on sooty mold and other problems:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141
meg_w (9b) Bradenton
8 years ago
That is a great link Carol. As IFAS points out the sooty mold is secondary to an infestation by sucking insects. You need to treat for the insects also to combat the mold. In addition to the oil that IFAS recommends to loosen the mold, I have used a stiff spray of soapy water (from a hose end sprayer). You can spray as often as you like with no dangerous residues. Don't use it at the same time as the oil spray though, or you will interfere with the action of the oils.
jane__ny
Original Author
8 years ago
My concern about spraying anything now is the tree is in full bloom. It's buzzing with bees and I don't want to harm the flowers or pollinators.

Jane
carolb_w_fl_coastal_9/10
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Not just bees, ladybugs and hoverfly larvae are often there eating the aphids, etc...
jane__ny
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you for the link Carol.

They do not say when to begin spraying. I was told copper is best but also not when fruiting or blooming. That makes sense.

Problem is the fruiting and blooming seem to overlap. I'm afraid of losing the tree because the leaves are covered in black. The new growth is getting it too.

I'll definitely wait until the blossoms are finished. Have no choice.

Jane
jane__ny
Original Author
8 years ago
Forgot to mention, I have a lemon tree right next to the orange tree. They are no more than 8 feet apart and some branches almost touch each other.

Yet, the lemon tree has no sign of the mold. Not a single black leaf and tons of lemons. Beautiful, lemon yellow.

Jane