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Fruit & Orchards

What's happening to my persimmon tree?

4 years ago

All of a sudden, about a third of my persimmon tree leaves are wilted. I soaked it real well, but with no change. It has fruit on it and last year it produced quite a bit of fruit. I pruned the branches that held fruit last year, gave it a couple of JoJo fruit spikes earlier this spring. I can't see any bugs on the tree Could something be at the root of the tree? I would be most grateful for any help as I love this tree and its fruit.

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

4 years ago

If it is verticillium, pruning will not stop the spread. That is a deterioration or failure of the plant's vascular system and there is no control. And be sure to disinfect your pruners between cuts and very thoroughly after finishing pruning.

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Comments (9)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Can you post photos? Persimmons are susceptible to Verticillium wilt, a soil pathogen that can prove fatal to a vast number of plant species.
frdnicholas
Original Author
4 years ago
I'll try; I'm not technically up-to-date, so let's see if this works.
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gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
Photos are there so good job with that :-) However, it would be more informative to see a photo of the entire tree taken from a distance.

I would still not be able to confirm whether or not Verticillium wilt was the problem but wilitng in sections or restricted to individual branches is very characteristic of the symptoms of this disease. The only way to confirm is to take one of the affected branches to your extention service office and have it evaluated by a plant pathologist.
frdnicholas
Original Author
4 years ago
OK here are some pictures of the tree.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
yeah, that doesn't look too good :-( I'd certainly take a sample branch in for a diagnostic evaluation.
sautesmom Sacramento
4 years ago
Those leaves are not coming back, so I would cut off all the wilted branches immediately to see it you can keep it from spreading to the parts that are still alive.
This article on root rot might be your problem
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74133.html

Carla in Sac
sautesmom Sacramento
4 years ago
The link is to Phytophthora, not verticillium.
But whenever disease is present, or even not present, everyone should always disinfect their pruners!
Carla in Sac
sautesmom Sacramento
4 years ago
Here is another article on wilt causes, none of them look good for your poor little tree. :(

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/diseases-persimmons-40614.html

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