- Stylar end breakdown will damage the lime tree fruit, causing vesicles to rupture; the juice will travel to the end of the blossom that contains the stylar. Acidity from the juice then softens the rind of the fruit at the blossom end. To prevent damage, handle the limes very gently and avoid picking them after a rainfall.
- The Asian citrus leafminer attacks new leaves on the lime tree, damaging the leaves and stunting their growth. In some cases, these pests damage the actual fruit of the tree because the leafminer attacks the flush of the fruit. Many flushes occur during the year, but the spring flush is the least likely to be affected by the leafminer because the pest does not survive the cold winter months.
- Fruit drop can cause the fruit of the lime tree to drop prematurely. When your lime tree's roots are overly wet, root rot can occur and cause the fruit to drop. Too much shade is also a factor that causes fruit to drop. The shade primarily affects the lowest branches of the tree. Insufficient amounts of potassium in the soil is the third and final reason for fruit drop.
- Alternaria brown spot damages the lime tree by causing the plant to defoliate and dieback. Symptoms of this disease include leaves that are yellow and that feature brown spots. Prevent this problem by ensuring your lime tree is planted in well-drained soils and spaced out from other trees so the soil doesn't become overly dry. Copper fungicides are effective in controlling this disease and can help keep your lime tree healthy.
- Phytophthora root rot directly attacks the roots, damaging them to the point that they no longer effectively absorb the water and nutrients from the soil that are necessary to the tree's health. Excessive amounts of water in the soil is a primary cause of root rot. Prevent this problem by planting the lime tree in an area with plenty of drainage and water the tree in the morning so the excess water can evaporate during the heat of the day.
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