Here I go again.
Now, my little lemon tree is showing a problem - a white coating on the side of one lemon and a leaf. I've enclosed a picture if anyone can help me identify this!
Thank you,
Caroline
Lemon Tree Problem
It looks like a fungs to me. I'd spray it with Neem.
I agree with Annette. Just be sure to cover the entire surfaces of all the leaves and trunk. If the temperature is higher than 85ºF, spray in the evening or the Neem will scorch the leaves. It's usually a disease of cooler more humid or wet weather. Get rid of any fallen leaves or fruit because they can harbor the spores. If Neem doesn't work or the fungus, usually called powdery mildew, you may have to use a more potent fungicide rated for use on fruit trees, citrus or edibles.
Thank you all for these suggestions. I will get at it.
I have a similar problem on some otherwise health holly, butterfly bush and bee balm. See picture I just took.
I have some Ferti-lome "HALT" fungicide--will that work?
HELP.
Jatork,
That looks more like mealy bugs or spittle bugs because most of the white fluffy stuff is found along the stem. Powdery mildew wouldn't be found on just the stems and be so specific. Have you tried gently washing the white fluffy stuff off? If there are bugs hiding under the fluff a fungicide wouldn't work. You would need to use an insecticide. Sometimes a strong spray of water will wash off must of the spittle and mealy bugs. At least for a while.
bettydee: Thanks for the info, I'll try a broad spectrum insecticide and post an update. I doubt washing will work, we just survived the heaviest wind/rain storm in more than a decade--if it would wash off it would have (although I don't know if this was there before the storm).
Did 2 applications of Spectracide. Cleared right up. Thanks for the help.
I had this same fungus surface last year on Osmanthus fragrans. After spraying, I found I was also overwatering which probably triggered it. Just a thought but since I backed off on the water, it has not returned.
It's now December.
I went out and picked all the lemons on the tree, first year - 15 heavy, beautiful lemons.
And guess what - I did nothing - no spray or Neem oil. Just let nature take its course, and that fungus cleared up. Must have been too much water.
Merry Christmas!
Good! I know water with the issue with my sweet olive. Thanks much for letting us know.