By Lauren Diepenbrock
Insect and mite management is a year-round challenge in Florida citrus. With the warm climate, pests are at the ready as soon as plant resources are available to them. With knowledge of insect and mite biology in relation to tree phenology, plans to protect fruit and maintain productive citrus trees can be developed.
MAJOR PESTS
Populations of some of the highly problematic pests (Asian citrus psyllids and citrus leafminers) generally increase with flush/new growth development, so targeting peak flush periods can help keep their populations from exploding.
The first major population increase of lebbeck mealybug generally occurs with initial fruit setting. Damage from feeding at this stage of fruit development will cause high rates of fruit drop. Protecting developing fruit is key to protecting the crop. For early spring applications, be sure to check the label for use in relation to bloom for pollinator protection. These pests will need to be managed throughout the year, though the extent of management depends on the intended market for the fruit.
MITES
Rust mite and citrus rust mite damage to fruit can be minimized by targeted management in late spring (April/May), when populations first start to develop. Keeping mite levels low while fruit are in the early stages of development can prevent high levels of damage. Information on scouting and management recommendations can be found here.
FLORIDA RED SCALE
Florida red scale has become problematic for growers in North Florida. See scouting recommendations to time management appropriately. Chemical recommendations can be found in the Soft Bodied Insects Attacking Foliage and Fruit chapter of the Florida Citrus Production Guide.
THRIPS
Thrips can be a challenge, especially for fresh market producers. Flower thrips cause damage during bloom if populations are increasing and should be managed prior to bloom to reduce flower abortion. Orchid and greenhouse thrips cause rind blemishing where they feed on developing fruit. Information on scouting and treatment of orchid thrips can be found here.
Recently, chilli thrips have been found in some growing conditions, damaging both leaves and fruit. While there are not specific management recommendations for this pest in citrus yet, insecticide active ingredients (spinetoram, cyantraniliprole and acetamiprid) that are used to successfully manage this pest in strawberries are also available in citrus.
ROOT WEEVILS
Root weevils are present in various life stages throughout the year. Because the primary damage from root weevils occurs underground, it can be hard to time management actions appropriately. The Citrus Root Weevil chapter of the Florida Citrus Production Guide describes the life cycles of the root weevils that attack citrus and explains management options that take advantage of their biology.
For help making management decisions, consult the Florida Citrus Production Guide and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus agents.
Lauren Diepenbrock is an assistant professor at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
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