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Citrus pest

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 5:24 pm
by vivienz
We have a lemon tree and clementine tree, each around 7 years old. They're doing well enough and spend the winter/colder weather in our unheated greenhouse. Over the last year the trees suffered a nast attack from some sort of grub which spins a protective cover of silk either to wrap itself in a pair of leaves or, for preference, a cluster of flower buds. It then burrows into the base of the buds (I presume its going for the nectaries), munches away then pupates and clears off. The caterpillars are small and green, usually not much more than 1cm. I try to get rid of them by visual inspection, but they've usually gone into the flower & done the damage by then.
Does anyone have any idea of what it is and how to get rid of it?
My thanks to the encyclopaedic knowlege of the forum in advance!
Vivien

Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2007 7:24 pm
by oldherbaceous
Good evening Vivien, just a quick reply so you don't think we are ignoring you, :) but i'm afraid i'm not sure of the answer yet.
I'm sure someone will know though, and will be able to enlighten us both.

Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 7:30 pm
by bigpepperplant
sorry, I don't know either, but I've had EXACTLY the same pest on my lemon tree. Tortrix moth caterpillar maybe?

Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2007 10:57 pm
by vivienz
Thanks OH & big pepper plant - the characteristics are very reminiscent of tortrix moth, but I didn't realise they attacked citrus. Maybe I'll put a pheremone trap in and see if it helps.
Happy gardening,
Vivien