Citrus problems
2018-06-12T09:22:51+10:00
Aussies love growing citrus, and questions about lemons, limes and other juicy delights dominate the airwaves on gardening talkback. Here are some common citrus problems and how you can solve them.
1. Aphids and scale Aphids are tiny sap-sucking insects that congregate on new growth, especially during spring. Squash or hose them off. Several scale insects attack citrus trees and fruit, and they can be an indication of tree stress. Improve care, particularly watering and fertilising, and apply a spray of horticultural oil to smother the pests.
2. Gall wasps Swellings on the branches are a sign of citrus gall wasp attack. The wasp lays eggs under the bark, and the branch develops an ugly lump. Cut off affected branches in August before the larvae hatch and reinfect your tree. Holes in the gall indicate that the wasp has hatched and gone, so pruning at this stage won’t control the pest.
3. Fruit split This can occur with heavy rain or watering after a dry period. Secondary rots enter split fruit. When there is no rain, water citrus trees regularly and evenly as fruit is forming.
Want more care tips? Read our Citrus tree care guide — it has everything you need to know to grow healthy, juicy citrus!
Photo by iStock
