Bael is generally free from serious pests and diseases; however, the crop becomes susceptible to disease when environmental conditions are favourable.
Gummosis –
Causal organism – Phytophthora sp.
Symptoms:
- Common in Bael orchards, similar to other Rutaceae plants (citrus family).
- Characterized by oozing of pale to amber-coloured gum, initially from the lower trunk bark and later from other branches.
- Gum oozes through vertical splits in the bark. The bark at the oozing site turns dark externally, while surrounding inner tissues become light brown or white, very soft, and sticky to touch.
- In severe cases, tree vigour declines, and affected twigs may show defoliation and dieback.
Management-
| Cultural Method | Chemical Control |
| Scrap off the infected portion of the bark with the help of a sharp knife, which should be followed by the application of Bordeaux paste. Remove and destroy heavily infected twigs; incorporate Trichoderma viride propagules into the soil, which has been found effective in disease control. | Spray Copper Oxychloride (COC) 50% WP @ 2 g/L at monthly intervals during and after the rainy season. |
