Citrus Stem-End Rot in the Low Desert

HOST: Citrus fruit

SYMPTOMS:

Fruit has a buff to brown colored, leathery area encircling the stem end of the fruit.

CAUSE:

Two different fungi

MANAGEMENT:

Prune out dead wood which serves as host for the fungi. Harvest citrus fruit by pulling them off the tree, rather than clipping them off. Refrigeration halts the progression of the disease. Initially the damage is only on the peel and fruit is not effected.