At Citrina, we prioritize biological control, using predatory insects as the main phytosanitary control. We use, for example, ladybugs to fight aphids (louse), mealybugs and other insects that cause damage to plants.
Since the fruits of our citrus fruits are edible and our plants are certified, the challenge begins when we want to make sure that everything the consumer buys has been grown in a safe, clean and sustainable way.
It is common for some pests to appear on your plants in spring. Be aware that the sooner they are detected, the easier it will be to eliminate them.
We list some of the most common citrus pests:
SPIDER MITE
His physical presence goes unnoticed. Green leaves have small yellow discolorations.
MEALY BUG
There are several types of mealy bugs, the most common in citrus fruits are the cotton ones, where white webs identical to cotton are visible, and the red scale, which is usually lodged in the veins of leaves and branches.
CITRUS LEAF MINER
It affects the inner part of young leaves by curling, twisting and creating transparent-looking galleries with irregular and spiraled outlines.
WHITEFLY
The whitefly lays its eggs on the back of the leaves, in "small groups". They are small in size and their shape is oval or pyramidal.
CATERPILLAR
The green caterpillar is a pest that feeds on the leaves of the plant by gnawing on them.
APHID
This pest is directly associated with the tender tissues of plants, namely, the developing leaf and floral buds, young leaves and flowers. Colonies are usually found on the bottom page of the leaves.
Very intense infestations, the young leaves curl inside. There are other types of lice with similar symptoms.
CITRUS LEMON FLOWER MOTH
The moth caterpillar hides in the flower buds, where it feeds and destroys the flowers. Its activity is particularly visible by the cluster of dried flower buds, webs, droppings and vegetable debris, which forms during feeding (sometimes the flower buds detach themselves and are trapped by fine webs).
THRIPS
Both the young and adult phases, the thrips attack the leaves, feeding on the sap of the plants, causing the folding of the edges up and the discolouration whitish. When feeding on the floral gums causes deformations in the bark of the fruit.
Prevention
By regularly inspecting your plants, you can identify diseases and pests before they spread. If they are infected, isolate them so that the disease or pests do not spread to other nearby plants.
Check all the branches and leaves of your Citrina regularly, especially the new branches and leaves, as many pests thrive on the most tender leaves. Cut branches or leaves where they might be concentrated.
For most of the listed pests, we recommend the regular use of neem oil, sold in our online store, as a preventive measure.
The most common diseases in citrus are caused, in most cases, by poor watering.
Maintain good drainage when watering to prevent root disease and fungus.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your plant's leaves goes beyond aesthetics. Accumulation of dust and dirt can disrupt the plant's physiological activities such as photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration. Regular cleaning also helps to prevent the appearance of pests.
Cleaning your Citrina can be easier than you think. It can be cleaned simply with water or at most with water and a few drops of neutral detergent. Use a soft cloth or simply spray your entire plant with soapy water so that branches and leaves are clean.
In case there are pests, you should repeat the cleaning process weekly until you notice that it disappears. If even so, the pest persists, you should buy a specific product at the nearest garden center and apply according to the instructions on the label. Never forget that your Citrina has edible fruit and in these cases, you should check the safety period for consumption.