Citrus Blast

Whenever warm, dry areas get much-needed rain, gardeners must be aware of a disease that starts showing symptoms in winter and spring - citrus blast. Also known as bacterial blast or black pit, citrus blast is a bacterial infection that becomes visible after periods of wind-driven rain. 

Symptoms of citrus blast

The bacteria, Pseudomonas syringae, enter through thorn punctures, wind damage, and insect feeding sites. This disease is more likely to appear on the south-facing side of your citrus tree. The first symptom of citrus blast is dark lesions on the leaf petiole. The petiole is the little stem that connects a leaf to a twig.

Once the bacteria enter through these lesions, it travels down the leaf axil, or stem, and into the rest of the tree. Infected leaves wilt quickly, curl up, and dry on the tree before breaking off. Usually, the petiole is left attached, creating a larger wound for further infection. Diseased areas may also show a reddish-brown scabbing, and entire twigs may die. Citrus blast will also leave black spots on the fruit.

New growth is especially vulnerable to citrus blast, so it is a good idea to minimize fall and winter feeding and pruning to reduce winter growth in areas prone to citrus blast.

​Preventing citrus blast

Applying fixed copper or Bordeaux sprays before the first rain can reduce the likelihood of bacterial infection. These treatments are also effective against fireblight, walnut blight, black spot on roses, peacock spot on olives, downy mildews and powdery mildew on grapes, and leaf curl, and shot hole on nectarines and peaches.

Bordeaux sprays consist of copper sulfate, lime, and water. You can make your own Bordeaux spray by combining 3-1/3 tablespoons of copper sulfate and ten tablespoons of dry hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) in one gallon of water. These materials are available at most garden centers. Avoid using slaked lime (calcium oxide), as it can burn your skin and eyes.

Diseased twigs should be removed and thrown in the trash. As you prune out diseased areas, sanitize your tools with a household cleaner between each cut to avoid spreading it to healthy plant tissue.

To prevent citrus blast, plant citrus trees with some wind protection and remove any dead or diseased twigs as early as possible.