The persimmon or kaki, whose scientific name is Diospyros kaki , is a fruit tree native to Southeast Asia that produces delicious fruits. It is also very decorative, as its normally green leaves turn a beautiful red-orange color in the fall before being blown away by the wind. For all these reasons, it is one of the most cultivated species in temperate regions.
However, there are several persimmon pests and diseases that can seriously harm it . So if you suspect something is wrong with your tree, find out below what it might be and how to fix it.
Index
- 1 pests
- 1.1 Fruit fly
- 1.2 Persimmon Sesia
- 1.3 San Jose louse
- 1.4 Elongated mealybug
- 1.5 Birds
- 1.6 Wasps
- 2 diseases
- 2.1 Anthracnose
- 2.2 Botrytis
- 2.3 Cephalosporium diospyri
pests
fruit fly
The fruit fly, whose scientific name is Ceratitis capitata , is a flying insect that, as its name suggests, feeds on the fruits of trees . But not only that, but it also leaves its larvae inside the persimmon, causing it to rot right away.
To do? Very simple: place several yellow sticky traps near the tree . Thus, once they are stuck to them, they will not be able to do anything. Another option is to cut a plastic bottle in half, pour in sugar or honey and water, and hook it to the tree with a rope.
Persimmon Sesia
The persimmon sesia, whose scientific name is Synanthedon tipuliformis , is a type of moth whose larvae excavate galleries in the stems . In doing so, they cause significant damage to them.
To do? The most advisable thing is to cut the infected parts with a hand saw previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol and seal the wound with healing paste. In addition, it is advisable to treat the tree with phosphorous insecticides.
San Jose louse
Image – http://gipcitricos.ivia.es
The San José louse, whose scientific name is Quadraspidiotus perniciosus , are very small parasites that attach themselves to the plant protected by a brown shell to feed on the sap. Thus, they cause damage to the leaves, which turn yellow and fall off, and to the fruits, which end up with colorless spots .
To do? Being the persimmon a tree whose fruits are edible, ecological insecticides must be used , such as neem oil .
elongated mealybug
The elongated mealybug, whose scientific name is Eulecanium persicae , is a parasite that settles mainly on the leaves and young stems . It is protected by a brown or reddish shield and measures just 1 centimeter.
To do? If there are few or the tree is young, they can be removed with a brush dipped in pharmacy alcohol ; If there are many or if the plant is adult or very large, it is best to treat it with pyrethrins.
birds
Birds are very beautiful animals, but they can eat the most tender shoots and fruits , especially if they are blackbirds or starlings. To avoid this, it is important to use protection nets or scarecrows.
wasps
Wasps are opportunistic insects, since they feed on fruits that have already been attacked by birds . For this reason, it is necessary to cover the fruits or make wasp traps .
Diseases
anthracnose
Image – Challenge1710.blogspot.com
Anthracnose, known as canker or chancre, is a disease caused by a fungus that can be of the genus Colletotrichum, Gloesporium or the species Coniothyrium fuckelli . They produce discolored spots on leaves, stems, fruits or flowers .
To do? The most advisable thing is to cut the affected parts and burn them , and treat with fungicides.
botrytis
Botrytis is a fungal disease transmitted by the fungus Botrytis cinerea . It produces brown spots on leaves and flowers , usually due to lack of aeration.
To do? The affected parts should be removed , treated with a fungicide and avoid wetting the leaves and flowers when watering.
Cephalosporium diospyri
Image – Treebuzz.com
It is a fungal disease that causes drought and leaf fall . The branches weaken and the crown becomes bare. Affected specimens die after two years.
To do? It is very important to acquire healthy trees , and take care of them correctly so that they are strong.
Do you already know what happens to your persimmon? I hope so and you can get it back soon
