Pomegranate Orchard Decline: Root/Trunk Rot from Poor Drainage

60-acre pomegranate orchard: areas with yellow-orange leaves, dying trees. Bark splitting/swelling at base with green fungus underneath. Drip irrigation; heavy soil, poor drainage in affected zones.

Diagnosis: Root and Trunk Rot

Poor drainage is primary cause. Pomegranates tolerate tough conditions but succumb to rot in waterlogged soil.

Actions

• Improve drainage: ditches/depressions to move water away from trunks.
• Water only when soil dry a few inches down.
• Try organic fungicide (neem, copper, sulfur) labeled for fruit.
• Monitor weeks; if no improvement, remove tree, let soil dry, amend with compost before replanting.