Mealybugs are parasites that can cause many problems for our citrus fruits. In fact, if we do not control or fight them in time, our trees can lose their leaves in a matter of a few weeks.
How to combat mealybugs on citrus fruits? If we have seen some, we will not have to worry excessively. Next we will explain what we have to do so that the health of the fruit trees improves as soon as possible.
What are mealybugs?
Mealybugs are homoptera insects that have a mouthpart that they use to pierce the plant and suck its sap. The species that attacks citrus is the grooved mealybug, whose scientific name is Icerya purchasi. It is easy to distinguish since the female has a white cotton appearance with longitudinal grooves, and her eggs, which are reddish in color, are grouped by waxy threads.
What are the symptoms in citrus fruits?
The most common symptoms are:
- Sticky leaves
- Chlorosis
- Malformations
- Appearance of the fungus bold
- Aphids
How are they removed?
Despite the damage they cause, mealy bugs can be easily removed. If the tree is young We can do it manually, or with a cotton, brush moistened in pharmacy alcohol or with pressurized water. But if the tree is large or the blight has spread a lot the ideal is to treat it with potassium soap diluted in 2% water. This is a very effective insecticide that will also help us to eradicate the bold.
Another way to achieve our goal is by treating it with diatomaceous earth, which are fossilized algae. Once they come into contact with the insect, they pierce its body, causing it to die of dehydration within a few days. The dose is 25 grams per liter of water. It is highly advisable to use a watering can and not a sprayer as the latter quickly clogs.
With these tips, the mealybugs are sure to disappear quickly.