Autumn pomegranate, pay attention to the first signs of illness: learning to recognize them now can avoid unpleasant surprises in spring. The main diseases strike when the climate changes, it doesn’t take much to notice.
When autumn makes itself felt and the days get shorter, the pomegranate, a resistant and ancient plant, often shows some small failures. It happens that you see leaves that suddenly turn yellow, or fruit with suspicious spots that weren’t there a few weeks ago. It almost always happens between October and November, especially if the rains have been heavy or the wind has blown strong. Many don’t pay attention to it, or maybe they think it’s just the natural cycle of the plant. But the signs, when looked at more closely, tell a different story.
There are some details that make the difference. In autumn, the pomegranate slows down and focuses its energy on the roots, allowing disease symptoms to become more visible. Recognizing the most common signs immediately can help you act in time. A distracted glance is enough to miss the right moment, the one in which you can really intervene. It’s a bit like when you hear a strange noise at home, but you always put off checking. Then, suddenly, the problem becomes apparent. It works like this in the garden too. Better to observe, without rushing.
Signs of disease in pomegranate: how to recognize them in autumn
One of the easiest symptoms to notice are the leaves changing color. Bright yellow, perhaps accompanied by black dots or burnt edges, is never a good sign if it arrives too soon. If the leaves then fall prematurely or curl up, it could be a warning sign. Also pay attention to brown or red spots on the fruit: they are often the first sign of fungal infections. In some cases, the peel seems almost wet or soft, especially after heavy rains. This detail should not be underestimated.
The 5 most common signs of a sick pomegranate
- Yellow, speckled leaves
- Fruits with brown spots
- Chapped bark
- White or gray mold
- Early leaf fall
Sometimes, however, the problem is more subtle. A branch that remains bare, or small cuts on the bark, may escape at first glance. Even those white or greyish powder-like residues near the buds are never random. It only takes five minutes during a pruning or a walk, and something catches your eye. A gesture that can make a difference.
Common mistake to avoid in autumn
Leave rotten fruit on the plant. This attracts mold and parasites, it is better to remove them immediately even if they seem few.
The main autumn diseases of pomegranate: symptoms, risks and immediate remedies
The greatest risk for the pomegranate, between October and December, is mainly linked to fungal infections. One of the most widespread is the so-called “botrytis”, which appears with gray mold on fruits that are already ripe or in the ripening phase. The grains become soft, sometimes even sticky. If action is not taken in time, the damage can also extend to nearby branches. Another frequent problem is “leaf spotting”: small dark, round or irregular spots that enlarge until all the affected leaves fall. In certain rainy years, the risk increases greatly.
When you notice spots on the leaves, it is best to treat immediately with a copper-based product, perhaps after lightly pruning the affected parts. If the soil is too wet, consider improving drainage or slightly raising the base of the plant with new soil. If mold appears on the fruits, remove the affected ones and air the branches, even just by removing a few more leaves.
Then there are root rots, which are often difficult to recognize with the naked eye. The soil remains too wet, the leaves wither without any apparent cause, the fruits are reduced and the plant seems to suddenly slow down. It is not always easy to distinguish between a real illness and a simple cold “malaise”. Sometimes, however, you notice that the young branches dry out at the base, or that the bark peels off easily. They are minimal details, but in the garden they make the difference. Whoever stops to observe immediately discovers something strange.
Serious signal or just seasonal?
An occasional yellow leaf is normal in autumn. But if all your hair turns yellow in a few days, you need to be careful.
A final threat, less frequent but present in some areas, is represented by attacks by parasitic insects. Cochineal, for example, leaves small white dots on the bark or fruit, often accompanied by a sort of sticky honeydew. It is not always a serious problem, but if neglected it can weaken the plant, making it more vulnerable to autumn diseases. A double pitfall that should not be ignored.
When to intervene immediately?
If in two or three days you see the stains getting worse or the mold spreading, it is better to act immediately, without waiting for the cold to block everything.
What to check before winter: simple gestures, real results
When November arrives, or perhaps one of those humid mornings when the fog doesn’t seem to want to go away, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to observe the pomegranate. Simple but targeted gestures are enough. Better to do this when the leaves are still present, so it is easier to notice color changes or any abnormal falls. It is also worth checking the base of the plant: sometimes small accumulations of dry leaves hide already active fungi or parasites.
A practical list to keep in mind:
- Observe the leaves: strange colors, premature falls, presence of dots or spots.
- Examine the fruit: brown spots, mold, soft or blackened parts.
- Check the bark and branches: cracks, white powder, unusual cuts.
- Check the base: any residues, presence of insects or suspicious accumulations.
- Evaluate the soil: too wet or too dry, a sign that drainage is not working well.
Sometimes very little is enough. A healthy pomegranate in autumn is born from small repeated gestures, not from drastic last-minute interventions.
Because just one more look, perhaps on a foggy morning, is enough to give you healthy fruit and flowering that still surprises you in spring.
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