What's wrong with my cara-cara?

6 years ago

This past winter my cara-cara started dropping leaves--small, underdeveloped leaves. I thought it was due to a cold snap and thought nothing of it, especially when spring came and it put on a huge flush of blossoms--how could an unhealthy tree blossom so prolifically? But then I noticed that in addition to the continued leaf drop, the upper branches began turning dull brown and grey, and flies were being drawn to the very tips.

I relocated the tree to a slightly more sheltered spot (it was in full sun but in Phoenix that's a lot for any plant to take, even citrus). I checked that there was no root rot, fed it, mixed in compost with the soil and gave it a good soak. Unfortunately the problem is still spreading down the tree. I fear if I don't act soon, it will be too late, so any help is greatly appreciated.

I've enclosed some photos as well that show the sooty spots on the bare branches. I thought it might be sooty mold, but I only read about that affecting leaves, not branches.

Featured Answer

Silica

6 years ago

Reading your thread I noticed one big thing you did wrong, and that was adding admendments to the back fill. When planting a citrus tree NEVER add anything to the refill soil. When refilling the hole that was dug, only refill the hole with the dirt from the digging. Addiding admendments creates a lake effect that the trees rootball will be setting in.

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Comments (6)

poncirusguy6b452xx
6 years ago
I don't know but you should probably cut off dead wood.
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garybeaumont_gw
6 years ago
How cold was your cold snap. Cara Cara is not particularly winter hardy. Could have harmed the bark and tree did not realize it was dead yet. Could have used its reserves to put out the blooms but not able to feed the root system.
Shaina Van Kilsdonk thanked garybeaumont_gw
Ken "Fruity Paws" (N-Va 7a)
6 years ago
Over the years, I've had similar things happen a few times (though my citrus are potted). The scion developed the graying/browning and began died back. Cutting back to healthy green didn't seem to stem the failure (which they did). I've also used neem and one antifungal which didn't slow or halt the affliction. The rootstocks for me have survived with no issues. I asked my extension service (Virginia), which doesn't have much experience with citrus, so they didn't have any good guidance. And it stumped some professional growers. I suspect a fungal or bacterial infection (the later, similar to fire blight which I've had on my pear trees before).

Since you are in AZ, your extension is probably much more familiar with citrus and perhaps can shed light on this. Perhaps, they can analyze a sample.

Good Luck.

Ken
Shaina Van Kilsdonk thanked Ken "Fruity Paws" (N-Va 7a)
Shaina Van Kilsdonk
Original Author
6 years ago
@garybeaumont_gw Well, when I say cold snap I mean it got up to the low 80s in February/early March, then went back down to a lovely high 60s. So it's a cold snap for Phoenix. But cara-cara made it through last winter (2018-2019) without a hitch, so I'm leaning away from that. Now we just have the next 6-7 months of 100+ degree temps to get through..... :(
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
6 years ago
I would think root problems. That's often the first thing to look at. So either overly wet, or overly dry. Could be a number of things though. Possibly even a graft failure.