Early signs of lemon gummosis, primarily caused by the Phytophthora fungus, are crucial for timely intervention and management. Here are the key indicators to look out for:

Early Signs of Lemon Gummosis

• Sap Oozing: One of the most noticeable early symptoms is the oozing of sap from small cracks in the bark, which gives the tree a “bleeding” appearance. This gum-like substance can be dark brown or black and may wash off during heavy rain.
• Cracking Bark: As the disease progresses, you may observe longitudinal cracks in the bark. These cracks can lead to further gumming and deterioration of the bark.
• Yellowing Leaves: Affected trees often exhibit yellowing foliage, which can be accompanied by leaf drop. This symptom indicates that the tree is under stress.
• Lesions on Trunk: Lesions may develop around the circumference of the trunk, which can eventually girdle the tree if not addressed. These lesions typically spread slowly but can lead to rapid decline under favorable conditions for disease development.
• Decline in Tree Health: Over time, if left untreated, the affected tree may show signs of overall decline, including reduced growth and fruit yield. In severe cases, this can lead to tree death within a year.

Recognizing these early signs is essential for managing lemon gummosis effectively and preventing its spread within citrus orchards[1][3][4].

Citations:

[1] https://plantwiseplusknowledgebank.org/doi/10.1079/PWKB.20147801443

[2] https://nhb.gov.in/pdf/fruits/citrus/cit002.pdf

[3] https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/citrus/phytophthora-gummosis/

[4] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-foot-rot-control.htm

[5] https://treesforneeds.com/articles/2020/07/30/phytophthora-gummosis-what-is-it-and-how-can-i-prevent-it/

Admin

Md. Gaushoul Agam 
Co-Founder & CEO, ToAgriculture
Experienced Horticulture Officer | Sustainable Farming Advocate

I am a passionate and experienced Horticulture Officer with over 14 years in the Department of Agricultural Extension, Bangladesh. My goal is to transform agriculture through knowledge, innovation, and sustainable practices.

I founded ToAgriculture to empower farmers and agriculture enthusiasts with science-backed knowledge and modern farming solutions. The platform addresses global challenges like food safety, shrinking arable land, and climate change—while promoting practical, localized strategies.
What I Do at ToAgriculture:

Control pests and manage plant diseases using eco-friendly methods.
Promote modern, climate-smart farming techniques.
Support farmers with irrigation, crop rotation, and grafting guidance.
Encourage sustainable vegetable and fruit farming practices.

I have hands-on experience in field crops and horticulture, with deep knowledge of soil health, pest control, and irrigation systems.

Join me on this journey as I share real-world insights and practical tips to help you grow healthier crops, improve yields, and build a resilient farming future.