Why Does My Maypop Look Unhealthy?

Are there any yellow and wilting leaves, brown streaks appear on a lower surface of leaves, the growth is stunted?

Is there a tan spotting on the foliage and the plants have lost vigor?

Are there any distorted or stunted leaves, small or distorted fruit, and poor growth?

Are the leaves stippled with yellow and the foliage is webbed?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, sticky to the touch?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

Do the leaves have large, ragged holes in them?

Are the plants yellow and stunted with roots that have swollen galls?

Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes these symptoms. High soil temperatures favor the disease emergence. Use only disease-free seed. Treat seeds with hot water to kill fungi before planting. Destroy affected plants at the first sign of fusarium. Rotate crops to nonsusceptible species.

Tan spotting on the foliage usually indicate fungal disease - Leaf blight. Spray foliage with fish emulsion or with sulfur to prevent the spread of mild infections.

Viruses are known to infect maypops and cause these symptoms. Plants may weaken or die. Healthy plants usually recover from it. Keep plants healthy and growing. Weak or dying plants should be removed. There are no available treatments.

Leaves stippled with yellow and webbed foliage is caused by spider mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plants leaves causing yellow flecking on the upper leaf surfaces. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap, or pyrethrin as a last resort.

Distorted and sticky leaves and stems are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and latter leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used only with severe infestations.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Large, ragged holes in the leaves are caused by slugs and snails. Slugs and snails feed on the plant leaves usually at night. To control slugs and snails use diatomaceous earth around your plants. You can also handpick them during the night or use shallow dishes filled with beer as a trap.

Yellow, stunted plants and roots that have swollen galls indicate root-knot nematodes. Other symptoms are plants wilting during bright, hot days. Prevent root-knot nematodes by applying chitin or introducing parasitic nematodes to the soil before planting. Solarizing the soil also helps in preventing root-knot nematodes.

In dry, hot, and windy conditions leaves of maypops can scorch. It may look like a disease but it is environmental in origin. Site your plants so they are not exposed to excessively windy conditions. Provide some afternoon shade in warm locations. Provide extra water in dry conditions.