Loquat Prone to Bacterial Blight: How to Protect

Bacterial Blight on Loquat: What to Know?

Bacterial Blight on Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is a bacterial condition with moderate severity. Loquat has high susceptibility to this disease. Pseudomonas is a group of bacteria that causes leaf spots, blights, cankers, and soft rots on many garden and houseplants. It thrives in cool, wet, or humid weather and spreads with splashing water, r...

Loquat is a easy-care plant.

Loquat is highly susceptible to Bacterial Blight, unlike most plants in the same family.

• ✓ Water wisely by using drip or a watering can at the base and watering early so leaves dry quickly.
• ✓ Keep the area clean by removing plant debris at season’s end and sanitizing pots, trays, and tools.
• ✓ Improve drainage and avoid overwatering, especially for houseplants.
• ✓ Provide good spacing, prune to open the canopy, and avoid working among plants when foliage is wet.
• ✓ Mulch soil to limit splash and protect plants from frost and mechanical injury such as hail or rough handling, which create entry points for bacteria.
• ✓ Choose healthy starts and resistant or tolerant varieties when available, and rotate crops each year.
• ✓ Fertilize moderately and avoid excess nitrogen that encourages soft, susceptible growth.