Fighting Phytophthora on Pomegranates

Phytophthora and Pomegranates

Phytophthora, a formidable pathogenic fungus, poses a major threat to pomegranate crops in France. Common in moist, clayey soils, it causes trunk and root rot, threatening the tree's survival. Without proactive management, Phytophthora can lead to significant losses in yield and quality. This article explores the symptoms, favorable conditions for its development, as well as prevention and treatment strategies in organic and conventional agriculture. Finally, we propose solutions to support producers facing this disease.

Symptoms of Phytophthora on pomegranate trees

On the trunk and roots

• Trunk Rot: This infection prevents sap from circulating, directly affecting the health of the tree.
• Infected Roots: Rotten roots weaken the tree, causing branches to wilt.

On the leaves

• Green leaf drop: Seemingly healthy leaves fall prematurely, a sign of root or trunk problems.
• Discoloration: Leaves show discolored areas, revealing a malfunction in nutrient circulation.

On fruits

• Browning of pomegranates: Affected fruits turn brown, making them unfit for sale.

Terminal phase

• Branch Drying: If left untreated, the tree gradually dies as the branches dry out.

Conditions favoring Phytophthora

Excessive humidity

Phytophthora thrives in soils where water stagnates, especially poorly drained clay soils.

Poor irrigation management

• Overwatering: Water reaching the trunk promotes the spread of the fungus.
• Accumulation around the roots: Prolonged humidity weakens the root system.

Poor air circulation

Dense foliage and crossed branches reduce evaporation and create a favorable environment for the fungus.

Prevention of Phytophthora on pomegranate trees

Improved drainage

• Soil selection: Choose well-drained soils to limit excessive humidity.
• Creating mounds: Plant trees on raised mounds to keep the roots out of the water.

Irrigation management

• Drip irrigation: Limit water contact with the trunk while ensuring effective hydration of the roots.
• Moderate watering: Space out waterings to avoid excess water.

Size and maintenance

• Elimination of crossed branches: Promote good air circulation to limit humidity.
• Collection of plant debris: Remove dead leaves and fallen fruit to eliminate sources of inoculum.

Regular monitoring

• Symptom Observation: Inspect leaves, fruit and trunk for early signs of infection.
• Soil Check: Identify areas where water is stagnating to intervene quickly.

Biological treatments against Phytophthora

1. Beneficial fungi: Trichoderma hazianium and Trichoderma asperellum colonize the roots and limit the spread of Phytophthora.
2. Biofungicides: Serratia treptomyces griseoviridis, a bacterium effective in organic farming, helps counter pathogenic fungi.
3. Enriched mulch: Incorporate plants such as nettle and horsetail into the mulch to reduce fungal attack.
4. Solarization: Cover the ground with a black tarp in summer to eliminate pathogenic spores.

Conventional treatments against Phytophthora

Chemical fungicides

Specific systemic fungicides may be used, but their application must comply with local regulations.

Prophylactic fight

Removal of infected plants: Immediately remove severely affected trees to limit spread.

Integrated management to limit Phytophthora

• Bush training: Training pomegranates with several main stems allows healthy parts to be preserved even in the event of partial infection.
• Crop rotation: Avoid replanting pomegranates or other susceptible plants in soils where Phytophthora has been identified.
• Resistant companion plants: Plant less susceptible species around pomegranate trees to limit spread.

Impact of Phytophthora on pomegranate trees

Reduction in yields

Fruit rot and leaf drop directly affect the quantity and quality of harvests.

Loss of trees

Advanced infections cause tree death, increasing production costs and requiring replacement.

Grenadiverse: Your partner against Phytophthora

• Professional quality pomegranate plants: Resistant and produced by specialist nurseries.
• Wide selection of varieties: Our bare-root, tall-stem or potted plants meet all your needs.
• Fast and careful delivery: Order and receive your plants in less than 15 days.
• Competitive prices: Take advantage of decreasing prices according to your volumes.

Additional benefits:

• Personalized technical advice to maximize your returns.
• Dedicated technical support to assist your planting projects.
• Free quotes with a quick response within 48 hours.

Order today from Grenadiverse and bounce back from a Phytophthora attack with our quality plants and expertise.

FAQs

• What are the first symptoms of Phytophthora on pomegranate trees? Green leaf drop, browning of the fruit, and trunk rot.
• How to prevent Phytophthora? Improve drainage, manage irrigation, and regularly monitor for symptoms.
• Can Phytophthora be effectively treated? In the early stages, biological treatments such as Trichoderma and biofungicides can limit the infection.
• Why avoid clay soils? They retain water, promoting the growth of fungi.
• What irrigation method is recommended? Drip irrigation, which effectively hydrates the roots without wetting the trunk.
• Does Grenadiverse offer suitable plants? Yes, our plants are specially selected for their resistance and adaptation to French conditions.

Preserve Your Orchards and Relaunch Your Production with Grenadiverse

Phytophthora, while formidable, can be controlled with integrated management and appropriate interventions. At Grenadiverse, we support you in overcoming this threat by providing you with quality plants and personalized technical advice. Order now to secure the future of your crops.