Kaffir Lime Tree Diseases

Common Kaffir Lime Diseases

Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix) has rough, warty green fruit and aromatic double leaves. Few pests, but susceptible to mites, scale, and citrus diseases.

Greasy Spot Fungus

Cause: Mycosphaerella citri (leaf pathogen from orchard floor, spread by rain/irrigation).
Symptoms: Yellow spots on upper leaf; dark, raised, greasy underside.
Control: Citrus oils and fungicides in summer. Heavy infection: 2–3 applications. Spray undersides thoroughly. Remove infected leaf litter.

Foot Rot (Phytophthora)

Cause: Soil-borne Phytophthora parasitica and P. citrophthora. Motile spores in wet soil invade roots.
Symptoms: Rotted roots, cracked bark with gumming. Water-soaked, reddish-brown to black bark at soil line. Yellow/sparse foliage, limb dieback.
Control: Resistant rootstock, improve drainage, timely fungicides. Careful irrigation prevents spore spread.

Citrus Canker

Cause: Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (highly contagious bacteria).
Symptoms: Yellow halo lesions on fruit, leaves, twigs. Premature drop. White spongy spots → gray/tan → crater with oily margins/yellow rings. Visible both leaf sides. Old cankers leave holes.
Spread: Wind, insects, birds, humans, equipment, plant contact.
Prevention: Copper fungicide sprays on healthy trees. Best control: Destroy infected trees to slow spread.