Pomegranate Wilt Complex

Pomegranate wilt complex is an important disease which results in complete wilting of plant. It is caused by the association of Ceratocystis fimbriata, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and nematodes.

Wilted Plant

Symptoms:

1. Affected plants show yellowing of leaves in some twigs or branches, followed by drooping and drying of leaves. The entire tree dies in few months or a year.
2. When affected tree is cut open lengthwise or cross-section dark grayish-brown discolouration of wood is seen.

Initial symptoms of wilt

Vascular discoloration

Complete wilting of the plant

Causal organism: (Ceratocystis fimbriata, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and nematodes)        

Disease cycle: 

• Primary source of inoculum: Soil, Chlamydospores
• Secondary source of inoculum: Conidia, water

Epidemiology:

Disease is more in heavy soil and increases with soil moisture.