Pomegranate wilt: Yellowing and drooping of leaves
Pathogens: Ceratocystis fimbriata, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and nematodes.
Symptoms
Affected plants show yellowing of leaves in some twigs or branches, followed by drooping and drying of leaves. The entire tree dies in few months or a year. When affected tree is cut open lengthwise or cross-section dark grayish-brown discolouration of wood is seen.
Disease development
The pathogen spreads through infected seedlings. Pruning wounds are common entry points for C. fimbriata, and the fungus can also be carried on pruning tools and through air. Spread to adjacent trees can take place via root grafts generally in plantation at close spacing. Flood irrigation/rain water also spread the pathogens from the infected plant/s to healthy plants. Wounds in the roots made by insects, nematodes and rodents also predispose the plant to wilt pathogens.
Control
Follow spacing of 4.5x3.0 m in the orchard in sandy loam soil with proper drainage.Soil drenching with carbendazim (0.2%) or propiconazole (0.15%) or tridemorph (0.15%) + Chlorpyriphos (0.25%). Follow spacing of 4.5x3.0 m in the orchard in sandy loam soil with proper drainage.Soil drenching with carbendazim (0.2%) or propiconazole (0.15%) or tridemorph (0.15%) + Chlorpyriphos (0.25%).