Don’s Expert Answers: Discoloured fruit on lemon tree

Question From:
Paul Mikkelsen in Wynnum, Bne Queensland

Nature of problem:
Discoloured fruit on lemon tree

Type of Plant (if known):
Myer lemon and lotsa lemon

Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
Fruit starting out fine and then turning a grey colour

Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Sandy

How often do you water the plant:
Irregularly

How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Over 8, in direct sun

How long since you planted it:
3 years and 5 years

Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
Citrus fertiliser.

Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors

Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground

What other treatments have you given the plant:
Nil

Upload photo if available:

Other Comments:
This season there is an abundance of fruit on the lotsa lemon tree which is planted in sandy soil with mulch and in full sun. The photo is of the problem that occurs year on year.

Answer:
Hi Paul, It is a bit of a mystery to me. It could be sunburn through early morning dew. If the fruit is OK to eat, then ignore it. You don’t say how often you fertilise it: do it in August and February each year: a full dose in August and half dose in February. Don