Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes are highly valued for their taste, nutritional benefits, and economic significance. However, these crops often fall prey to pests like mites and thrips, which can significantly reduce yield and fruit quality. This comprehensive guide will help farmers understand the signs of infestation, the damage caused, and the most effective ways to manage these pests.
Pests in Citrus Farming: An Overview
Citrus crops are vulnerable to numerous pests, but mites and thrips are the most persistent.
- Mites: Minute pests that thrive in hot, dry conditions, attacking leaves, fruits, and branches.
- Thrips: Tiny, slender insects that feed on plant sap, causing deformities and scarring on fruits.
Mites: The Silent Destroyers
How to Identify Mites in Citrus
- Yellow Spots on Leaves: Mites feed on the underside of leaves, leaving yellow or bronze patches.
- Leaf Drop: Severe infestations can result in leaves falling prematurely, weakening the plant.
- Fruit Scarring: Mites cause discoloration and scarring on fruits, lowering their market value.
- Webbing: In advanced stages, mites produce webbing on branches and leaves.
Major Types of Mites in Citrus
- Citrus Rust Mites: Cause fruit discoloration and damage.
- Spider Mites: Known for creating webbing and causing significant leaf damage.
- Broad Mites: Target young leaves and fruit, causing deformation.
Effective Mite Control Strategies
Cultural Practices:
- Maintain proper irrigation to reduce dust, which attracts mites.
- Remove heavily infested leaves and branches to prevent spread.
Biological Control:
- Introduce predatory mites like Katyayani Activated Neem Oil 10000 ppm - 750ml/acre
Chemical Solutions:
- Use miticides like KATYAYANI KACIN (Abamectin 1.9% EC) at 150 ml/acre, Katyayani Ozil - 150-200ml/acre.
Thrips: The Tiny Yet Damaging Invaders
Spotting Thrips Infestation in Citrus
- Fruit Scarring: Thrips feed on young fruits, causing silver, brown, or white spots.
- Deformed Fruits: Infested fruits often grow unevenly, reducing their market appeal.
- Leaf Curling: Thrips feed on young leaves, causing them to curl and distort
- Reduced Yield: Thrips weaken plants by sucking sap, which can stunt growth and lower fruit production.
Thrips Management Methods
Cultural Practices:
- Remove weeds and debris where thrips breed.
- Rotate crops to disrupt their lifecycle.
Biological Control:
- Use neem-based sprays (Azadirachtin) to disrupt their feeding habits.
Chemical Control:
- Apply KATYAYANI SPINO 45 (Spinosad 45% SC) - 50-60ml/acre
- Katyayani 17.8 IMD imidacloprid 17.8 Insecticide - 60-80ml/acre
FAQs: Clearing Farmers’ Doubts
Q. What are thrips and mites?
A. Thrips and mites are tiny pests that damage citrus crops by feeding on sap and causing deformities.
Q. How do I control thrips in citrus?
A. To control thrips, monitor their population using traps, encourage natural predators, and apply recommended insecticides like Spinosad.
Q. What is the best way to prevent mite infestations?
A. Prevent mite infestations by maintaining proper irrigation, using predatory mites, and applying sulfur-based sprays when necessary.
Q. Can these pests reduce the market value of citrus fruits?
A. Yes, both mites and thrips can cause scarring, deformities, and discoloration, making fruits less appealing to buyers.
Written by :- Dheeraj Rajendra Mahajan, Agristudent
