Loquat trees, scientific name Eriobotrya japonica, are cultivated for their edible fruit and evergreen foliage. These trees are native to Central Eastern China and were introduced to Japan where they are considered of high value. They are often grown in parks and gardens, and the fruits are eaten fresh. The fruit is high in Vitamin A, fiber and antioxidants. These ornamental trees are resistant to many diseases, but are still prone to certain conditions that cause yellowing leaves.
Loquat tree leaves turning yellow: What are the reasons?
It could be due to overwatering.
Loquat trees may suffer yellowing leaves from overwatering. These trees are not tolerant of moist or flooded soil, and if overwatered they may decline quickly. In this case, the leaves will turn yellow and the lower leaves will be the first to drop from the branches. Loquat tree roots do not like standing in water, so make sure that your planters have good drainage. Remove excess water from trays or pans under the containers, especially after heavy rain.
Young loquat trees, at about three years old, should be watered at least every five days when there is little or no rainfall. Stop watering the trees during the rainy season and, when they are four years and older, water them only during the fruit-bearing season and if there is little or no rainfall. Allow the soil to dry out for five to six days before you water the trees again.
It could be due to stress.
Loquat tree leaves could turn yellow due to stress. This could be related to a high concentration of fertilizer on the leaves, a light freeze, or salts from fertilizers. To fix this issue, you need to assess the situation and adjust your fertilizer application accordingly.
It could be due to temperature changes.
Loquat trees are subtropical plants and do not take well to erratic temperature changes. Their leaves may turn yellow and eventually fall off if there are sudden dips in temperature. These trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 12 degrees Fahrenheit, but any lower than that could damage flower buds and flowers, and could lead to yellowing and falling leaves.
It could be due to pests.
Loquat tree leaves turning yellow could also be due to insects such as aphids. These pests feed on plant tissue and excrete a liquid called honeydew that attracts fungal disease. To treat these pests, spray them with insecticides or neem oil.
It could be due to fire blight.
Loquat trees are also susceptible to fire blight, which is spread by bees. Fire blight is widespread in areas with high humidity and the disease attacks young shoots and kills the leaves. It is a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, and can infect both flowers and foliage. The branches may blacken and develop cankers, and the foliage becomes yellow and wilted.
To treat fire blight, prune out the infected parts and disinfect your pruning shears. Burn the infected branches, stems and leaves. Do not fertilize with too much nitrogen, as this stimulates new growth that is prone to fire blight infection.
Loquat tree care
Loquat trees should be fertilized at least three times a year with lawn fertilizer. For the first year, use at least a cup of fertilizer divided into three applications for use over the growing season. For the second and third years, increase to two cups, scatter it on the ground and water it in. The trees should be watered when the blossoms open in spring, and three more times when the fruits start to ripen.
Apply the water gradually and allow it to sink into the soil. Stop watering once the water starts to run off. Maintain a weed-free area extending three feet from the trunks of the trees. Keep the weeds at bay with a layer of mulch and be aware that the trees have shallow roots.
Conclusion
Loquat trees are evergreens that are popular for their yellow-orange edible fruits that are loaded with antioxidants and fiber. Like most trees, they are also prone to problems that cause yellowing leaves, such as overwatering or stress. The leaves may also turn yellow due to temperature changes, pest infestation or fire blight.
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