Symptoms:
- The most of die-back becomes evident by discolouration and darkening of the bark some distance from the tip.
- The dark area advances and young green twigs start withering first at the base and then extending outwards along the veins of leaf edges.
- The affected leaves turn brown and their margins roll upwards.
- At this stage, the twig or branch dies, shrivels and falls.
- There may be exudation of gum from affected branches. Such branches are often affected by shoot borers.
- Infected twigs show internal discolouration.
Management:
- Pruning of infected twigs followed by spraying of Carbendazim 0.1 per cent or Chlorothalonil 0.2 per cent is recommended.
- Controlling shoot borers and shot-hole borers by suitable insecticides is also important in reducing die-back disease.