Can organic interventions prolong the life of a citrus tree facing fatal disease?
In short: Citrus greening, or Huanglongbing, is a devastating disease spreading through orange groves. While the condition is ultimately fatal, landscape contractor Roger Cook and expert Benny McLean demonstrate how specific organic methods can help extend the life of a backyard tree.
Citrus greening is a disease transmitted by an insect known as the psouldid. When these insects feed on a tree, they leave behind pinched leaves, and the disease eventually prevents the tree from transporting vital nutrients from the soil. This nutrient blockage often results in the production of small, green fruit, signaling that the tree is struggling to thrive.
To manage a diseased tree, the process begins with root maintenance. If root tips appear brown, they should be pruned to encourage new growth. This is achieved by using a shovel to cut 4 to 6 inches around the base of the tree at the dripline. Following this, a layer of fertilizer can be spread around the base, topped with a sprinkle of plant sugar to stimulate beneficial microbes.
A key component of this organic approach is the creation of compost tea to coat the foliage. To make it, compost is placed in a tied sock and submerged in a bucket of water. Using a fish tank pump tube to aerate the mixture for 24 hours, a cup of molasses is added and mixed in with a paint mixer. This tea is then applied to the leaves via a hose sprayer.
To address the source of the spread, applying an organic pesticide like neem oil can help smother psyllid eggs without harming pollinators like bees. While these combined efforts—including applying composted cow manure to the root zone—can prolong the tree's life, the disease remains a terminal threat to the citrus plant.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: How to Treat Disease with Citrus Trees | Ask This Old House
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