AboutElyse Grau Expertise I can answer most questions on vegetable and fruit growing, in particular those that pertain to the Northwest, Midwest and other cool areas of the country. I prefer to use only organic/natural methods and materials.
Experience I have Master Gardener training and have been gardening for over 25 years. I use organic and natural methods only. I live on 5 acres and have a large vegetable garden, as well as orchard, grapevines and berries.
Question What causes the foliage on my fruit trees and garden veggies to be deformed, shriveled and turn yellow-green in color? I live in the Arizona desert--literally. Use well water. My vegetable garden and fruit trees--apricot, plum, pear and tomato, bell pepper, green beans seem to do well, then new growth appears as shriveled, deformed, discolored leaves. Aphid and whitefly infestation was bad, but used organic neem oil, pyrethrum 3-in-1 products, diatomaceous earth to control. I use organic fertilizer and have composted and mulched several tons of soil into the garden. Checked soil ph and all is ok. Harvest suffers. Carrots, chili, okra and herbs do well. Please help. Thank you. Debra
Answer I don't really have an answer for you, just some possibilities. aphids can cause deformed and discolored leaves, are you sure they are gone? Herbicides can also cause this problem, do you have a neighbor nearby that may have sprayed something? Neem oil should not be used when the temperatures are above 90 degrees (I think that is the threshold, could be lower), and I'm wondering if just the shear amount and combination of pesticides you used could cause the problem as well.
Dry soil could also be a problem, I imagine it is pretty hot there in the summer, do you water often enough? If your soil is sandy, the water soaks down petty quickly, and may even go too deep for the roots to benefit.
and lastly, it could be a virus, but because a number of different species are involved, environment is the more likely cause.
I would suggest you take a sample to a local nursery or extension service office if one is nearby. I don't have any experience gardening in your climate, so the locals would know better.
