Citrus crops are exposed to various pests that dangerously affect their health and yields. It is crucial to begin the necessary treatments in June to combat them before the arrival of humidity and high temperatures that promote the onset of these pests.
Effects of whitefly on citrus crops
Whiteflies foul leaves of trees by secreting a large amount of honeydew, which makes it difficult for the tree to breathe and perform photosynthesis. That affects the quality and quantity of fruit production. This pest can also produce defoliation and weaken blossoming, thus affecting the size of the fruits.
Attack by this pest can be seen in the yellowing of the leaves and their subsequent drop, as well as in the coating of the leaves with honeydew, as previously mentioned, which causes the appearance of sooty mold and its serious effects.
Effects of mealy bugs on citrus crops
Mealybugs can cause both direct and indirect damage to citrus crops.
The direct damages are those that occur when the mealy bug, already in the adult stage, weakens the plant by sucking the sap. Due to its rapid proliferation, the trunks and branches of trees affected by this pest may be completely covered with the pest.
Indirect damages range from the attraction of other pests, to the appearance of sooty mold on leaves, fruits and branches due to secretion of honeydew by the mealy bugs.
Both pests greatly affect production and quality of fruit and, therefore, it is necessary to combat them in the most effective and sustainable way.
The following image shows the best natural solutions that Idai Nature has especially adapted for definitively combating each stage of the pests.
