Plant guide:ðŸŒą Papaya
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Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot on Papaya

Commonly affects: Carica papaya (Papaya)

The tree wilts and declines rapidly, sometimes with a water-soaked lesion visible at the base of the trunk, and can collapse entirely within weeks.

Potential Causes

  1. 1Phytophthora palmivora fungus thriving in waterlogged, poorly-draining soil
  2. 2Overwatering or planting in a low-lying area that collects standing water
  3. 3Heavy rain during warm weather providing ideal conditions for the pathogen

Solution Steps

  1. 1Plant papaya on a raised mound to ensure excellent drainage from the start
  2. 2Avoid overwatering, especially during warm, wet weather
  3. 3Remove and destroy severely affected trees, since recovery is unlikely once the trunk base is infected
  4. 4Apply a preventive fungicide drench in regions with a history of this disease

Prevention Tip

Papaya's soft trunk and root system make it especially vulnerable to Phytophthora — planting on a raised mound with excellent drainage is essential from day one.

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