Plant guide:ðą Papaya
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Fungal
Bacterial Crown Rot on Papaya
Commonly affects: Carica papaya (Papaya)
The growing point (crown) at the top of the tree turns soft, water-soaked, and foul-smelling, and can cause the entire top of the tree to collapse.
Potential Causes
- 1Erwinia bacteria infecting the crown, often following mechanical damage or waterlogging
- 2Water sitting in the crown of the plant after heavy rain
- 3Wounds from insect damage or storm injury giving bacteria entry
Solution Steps
- 1Remove and destroy severely affected trees, since crown rot at this location is usually fatal
- 2Avoid overhead watering that allows water to pool in the crown area
- 3Ensure excellent drainage around the base of the tree
- 4Protect the crown from mechanical damage during maintenance
Prevention Tip
Avoiding water pooling in the crown â through both watering practice and good drainage â is the main prevention for this often-fatal disease.
