Pests and Diseases that Afflict Citrus Crops

Those who are thinking of growing citrus crops have to become informed about some of the pests and diseases that may create havoc with their crops. While these will vary depending where a person lives, it is important to know where these problems exist. While many of these problems exist on the west coast that does not eliminate the possibility they may cause problems with citrus growers in Florida as well. It’s important before you think of growing any citrus crops to become informed about any problems that may create an unhealthy citrus fruit tree.

Citrus plants are high susceptible to infestation to pests such as aphids, whitefly and scale insects though the latter is not as common in Florida as it is on the west coast. In addition there are a number of viral infections these pests can transmit to your citrus crops such as the Citrus Tristeza virus that aphids transmit. This virus can be quite devastating to citrus crops growers do not use effective methods to control the aphid population and control the spread of this aphid-transmitted virus.

The leaves of the citrus trees are very problematic areas for citrus growers since the larvae of some moths and butterflies use them as a source of food. This of course, can cause the trees to be less productive and have an effect on the quality of the fruit if it is able to grow at all. Any type of infestation can interfere with the growth process and thus inhibit the amount or quality of these fruit-bearing citrus trees. It is essential for a citrus grower to become informed about any type of pest infestation that can occur and the methods he can employ to eliminate the problem and prevent its return.

Many people have the mistaken notion that trees are not susceptible to diseases and pests which causes some growers to fail to exercise caution. In order to have a successful citrus crop it is essential to treat your citrus trees in the same way you treat any other vegetation by checking the health on a routine basis and ascertaining there is no disease or infestation that will create problems for the later cultivation of the fruits of those citrus trees. Also, do not assume because information you have indicates a specific pest is not prominent in Florida that you are home free because all insects and diseases can migrate from one state to the other in any number of ways.

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