Insect
Citrus Leafminer
A tiny moth whose larvae mine silvery serpentine trails into young citrus leaves, causing them to curl and distort as the tissue is consumed.
Symptoms to Look For
- Silver shiny winding trails clearly visible inside curled young leaves
- Leaves curling and twisting inward along the mine
- Stunted, distorted flushes of new growth on young trees
Affected Plants
LemonOrangeLimeCitrus
Organic Solutions
Neem oil spray
Spray neem oil solution onto all new flush growth every 7 - 10 days during active growth periods to deter egg-laying females.
Pheromone traps
Use pheromone traps to monitor male moth activity and time neem sprays to coincide with peak flight periods.
Prevention
- Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilising which promotes the soft new flushes that adults prefer for egg-laying
- Remove and destroy heavily mined leaves to reduce the local larval population
Garden, by Willowbottom recommends only organic, wildlife-friendly solutions. No synthetic pesticides, no harmful chemicals - ever.