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Troubleshooting Dwarf Lime Decline: Leaf Curl, Browning, and Fruit Drop

A 3-year-old in-ground dwarf lime in San Rafael, CA showed sudden leaf curling, browning to blackening, leaf drop, and fruit death. Adjacent privet has similar issues. Drip irrigation provides 0.5-1 gal/hour, 3x weekly. Antifungal spray was applied.

Diagnosis

Leaf curl on citrus indicates citrus leaf miner (active in hot weather). Aphids may have spread from privet. Overwatering is likely—established plants need ~3.5 inches weekly, not frequent light irrigation. The drip schedule may keep soil constantly wet.

Corrections

Reduce watering to deep, infrequent applications. Use Atomic Grow for fungal, insect, and leaf miner issues. Remove mulch from under citrus. Ensure good drainage. The privet may serve as pest reservoir—monitor both plants.

Plant Diseases: Citrus Leafminer and Chewing Pests: Diagnosis and Management; Black Gum on Key Lime: Check for Borers; Key Lime Leaf Drop in the Florida Keys: Water, Wind, or Fungus?; Dwarf Lime Leafminer: Cosmetic Damage, Natural Control; Dwarf Key Lime Transplant Shock: Overwatering in Oversized Pot; Dwarf Citrus in Containers: Yellowing, Curling Leaves in Phoenix Heat; Growing Citrus from Seed: What to Expect from Dwarf Lemon and Lime; Leaf Miner Control on Serviceberry: Systemic Insecticides and Sanitation; Using Old Bagged Lime: Still Effective?; Encouraging Branching and Flowers on a Leggy Dwarf Lime Tree

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