What Is Wrong With My Lychee Tree?

Do the leaves have any small circular or irregularly shaped dry spots that are gray to straw in color?

Are the leaves yellowing, wilting and, dying?

Are there any orange, rust-colored, dense, silky tufts on both upper and lower surfaces of leaves that turn reddish-purple as they mature?

Are the leaves distorted, yellowed, and stippled?

Are the leaves curled and distorted?

Do the leaves have holes?

Are the leaves skeletonized?

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Anthracnose. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper when the first fruit develops if you have had problems in the past.

Yellow leaves that wilt and die usually indicate Root rot. Several pathogens can be the cause of root rots. Poorly drained, overly wet soil promotes rot so choose well-drained sites and add organic matter to improve drainage. Remove and destroy infected plants.

Algal leaf spot is caused by algae Cephaleuros virescens and it's favored by wet, humid conditions. Zoospores can be spread by splashing water. Ensure trees receive adequate fertilization, irrigation and are properly pruned to avoid stress on the plants and promote air circulation through the canopy. Periodic applications of a copper-based fungicide are usually enough to control the disease.

Leaves stippled with yellow are caused by mites. These tiny, spider-like pests feed by sucking sap from the underside of the plant's leaves. 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.

Distorted and curled leaves are caused by aphids, most notably citrus aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later 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 with severe infestations.

Various caterpillars will feed on lychee tree leaves. They may also feed on stems and flowers. Handpick and destroy caterpillars, or spray plants with BTK if caterpillars are feeding.

Skeletonized leaves are caused by Japanese beetles, pests that can seriously damage foliage. Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water but make sure to wear gloves as Japanese beetles are blister beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder or neem oil as a last resort.

If the tree is dropping rotten fruit, the culprits may be citrus fruit-piercing moths. The best way to combat fruit-piercing moths is to harvest lychee fruit as early as possible. Pick up rotten and fallen fruit. If the tree is small, cover it with netting.