Plant Diagnosis

Tea Stem Canker Critical

Fungal disease causing cankers and dieback in stems and branches caused by Macrophoma theicola, Botryodiplodia theobromae (fungi) in throughout year.

Description

Stem canker is a serious disease that affects the woody parts of tea plants, causing long-term damage to bush structure and productivity. The fungi typically enter through wounds caused by pruning, mechanical damage, or insect feeding. Infected areas develop sunken, discolored cankers that can girdle branches, causing dieback. The disease is often associated with plant stress, poor nutrition, or adverse weather conditions.

Symptoms

• Sunken cankers on stems, branch dieback, bark cracking, gum exudation.