April 17, 2008
Our kumquat tree produced good crop but now looks sickly. Leaves are pale green and sparse. Problem?
The kumquat tree has lost many leaves, those remaining are pale green with a rather iridescent sheen. No sign of pests so could this be a nutritional deficiency or other disease? lwfpe1
Veronica
Expert
Fom your description, it might have an iron deficiency, a common problem in citrus. Initially, the leaf tissue yellows but the veins stay green. If the deficiency is severe, even the veins may yellow, and new leaves turn completely yellow fall off.
Consider spraying the leaves with a fertilizer that contains iron, zinc, and manganese. Follow label directions exactly. Older leaves do not absorb foliar nutrients well, so therefore it's best to spray the tree when a new flush of leaves are about two-thirds their size in spring and late summer. You may want to also spread a tree product with chelated iron or sequestrene iron on the soil to prevent this problem in the future. For a positive diagnosis, take a sample to the county office of the Cooperative Extension Service or to a reputable locally owned garden center.Join this conversation.
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