I have a very sick lemon-tree and would greatly appreciate some advice on how to deal with it.
The tree is a chance-seedling and is about 5 years old - it is growing outdoors in a pot in my garden in Nairobi, Kenya. I should note that I am a total amateur when it comes to citrus growing.
I believe there are several problems affecting the tree, but it could just be different symptoms from one problem, in any case this is what I have observed.
- Most leaf have dropped from the tree.
- Many remaining leafs are infected
- New leafs tend to curl up
- Main stem of the tree has a major crack
Let me give some detail on each observation:
Leaf dropSo most of the leafs from the tree have dropped - many of them became yellow before dropping
I have purchased some citrus fertilizer (4-1-3) and have applied this twice a week for the last month. The label on the fertilizer states that it contains "high level of iron" which safeguards against yellow-leafs and dropping leafs
Based on that description I am guessing the tree had a major iron-deficiency and I hope the fertilizer will help with this over time.
The image below shows how the crown of the tree looks
Infected leafsThis is actually what I consider the main problem / challenge.
Most of the remaining leafs have been infected, probably by some insect - my guess is that it is black ants which from time to time crawl all over the tree.
The leafs them self look as if they are growing blisters, and the underside of them have some distinct black spots right below the "blisters"
Typical leaf on the top side:
Underside of the same leaf:
My immediate reaction is that I want to cut the infected leafs and burn them - however since the tree has so few leafs remaining I am wondering if there are any alternative ?
New leaf curl upWhenever the tree tries to put new leafs they often get stuck in a "curled up position" and it is as if they are curling into each other never really managing to unfold and grow properly.
I am wondering if this is because they are getting infected by the same insects (ants) right from the start or if this is something completely different
Curled bunch of leafs:
Cracked stemThe main stem itself seems to have a major crack in it, I am wondering if this is something I have caused i.e. by watering incorrectly or if it's just "normal" or some external factor causing this.
Any advice or insight would be most welcome..
Mike..