Whether you develop Lisbon lemons or Meyer lemons or any other variety, the lemon tree demands careful pruning and good orchard management practices to avoid infection. Thankfully, liquid copper sprays, applied at the correct time, can protect the lemon tree in fungal pathogens. Liquid copper shouldn’t be applied while the tree is in blossom, but is safe to use both before and after bloom.

Purpose

Liquid copper sprays avoid lots of fungal diseases on the lemon tree’s leaf and fruit. Citrus brown rot is the most frequent and typically infects the lemon tree during moist, cool weather. This fungal disease strikes adult fruit and first symptoms include lesions that seem water-soaked.

Timing

Liquid copper fungicide is a protectant, so it must be put on the lemon tree prior to the illness presents itself. The ideal time to spray the lemon tree is in October, just before or after the first rain of the season. If the weather is very wet, repeat the application in January or February. Wait until the fruit is dry prior to spraying the lemon tree.

Application

To efficiently prevent fungal diseases, all parts of the orange tree have to be thoroughly covered with the fluid copper spray. Heavy rain will wash the item away, so it’s vital that you reapply that the spray as required. Since brown decay attacks primarily lower-growing fruit, Integrated Pest Management professionals with the University of California suggest spraying fluid copper fungicide not just the lower part of the tree, to 4 feet above the dirt, but on the dirt around it also.

Factors

If applied too late in the season, or if the pH of the water it’s combined with is much less than 6.0, fluid copper may damage the fruit along with the tree’s foliage, leaving them seen. If you notice dark spots just two to three weeks after spraying, they’re probably caused by the spray. Follow the fluid copper spray label directions carefully to avoid damaging the tree.

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