wrote in message
...
Hello,

I just moved into a new flat in Canberra, Australia. There's a lemon
tree in the garden, which is nice, but it's not in the best of health.
Alot of the leafs look chlorotic. Some have brown patches and holes.
Some of the fruit has whiteish stuff on it. I've seen a couple of
white fly type things as well. I sprayed with a pymethrin/oil mixture
to get rid of any insects. I was just wondering whether there maybe a
fungal or bacterial problem as well that may need attention. Here's a
link to some typical leafs and fruit from the tree. Any help would be
appreciated.

Cheers


Ah Canberra! How I yearn! Cold in winter, hot in summer, sterile all year
round.

Citrus are pretty marginal in the Canberra winter. Little ones can be
killed by frost and even mature trees can be knocked back severely unless
sheltered. Fungus problems are not common due to the low humidity. My
guess is that this one is weak from general neglect and suffering all sorts
of damage. Citrus are not really 'plant and forget' type trees.

It now being after the last frost (isn't it?) I would feed it with "citrus
food" or bird manure (dynamic lifter is good) and some trace element mix,
and remove the worst damaged parts. Deep water as required and mulch well
before summer. If the top is burnt consider how to shelter it in time for
next winter.

David

Note: If the resident tree pedant idiot wants to tell us that there is no
such thing as "citrus food" because trees don't eat he can find the nearest
spiky lemon rootstock shoot and graft it where the sun don't shine. "Citrus
food" is what you will find on the pack.