The main diseases affecting the fruit of the pomegranate are Alternaria rot (alternaria alternaria), rot of Aspergillus (Aspergillus niger) and gray mold (Botrytis cinerea).
Alternaria fruit rot (also known as black heart) and Aspergillus fruit rot appear after the rains as the flowers begin to open, and they infect the inner portion of the pomegranate. Wounds should occur after the initiation of the flower for these two infections to occur. The only external signs of the disease would be a slight colour out of colour in the shell, and a lighter weight due to internal caries (UC IPM website, 2011). However, this problem is generally not apparent until the classification of fruits after harvest.
Gray mold (Botrytis cinerea) causes problems after harvest. While the tree is flowering, the airborne spores extend to open flowers and enter the fruit. The disease is activated with free water, commonly during post-harvest washing and is extended when stored at room temperature. However, if you use a fungicide after harvest, you can enter the fruit cup to prevent infection (UC IPM website, 2011). Fludioxonil (Scholar) is registered for grenades and can be used to prevent gray mold (Kader 2006) as well as Fenhexamid (Judge).
Pomegranates are quite vigorous trees or shrubs that are well adapted to the regions that support citrus plants. There are also varieties suitable for semi-temperate areas, but these need well-drained soil and protection against excess moisture. Although the plant likes supplemental watering in summer for better fruit formation, too wet soils and moisture can cause a variety of diseases of pomegranate trees. There are many methods of treating diseases of pomegranate fruit, so do not despair and keep reading for some solutions. Fungal problems are part of the growth of pomegranate plants. The pomagranates perform better in areas with hot, dry summers, which means that northern gardeners in colder regions with abundant rainfall may find the tree a challenge. The most frequent complaint are the diseases of the pomegranate tree that affect the fruit. Many fungal problems will cause some leaves to fall, but this is generally not enough to affect the overall health of the tree. Fruit is the reason for plant growth and there are many diseases that cause breakage, rot and a general appearance and taste that are unattractive. Begin with the correct location of the site and the well drained and organically amended soil. Plant trees 15 to 20 feet away to avoid overcrowding and improve circulation. Fertilizing after growth begins with ammonium sulfate divided into four applications that begin in February and end in September.