What is Citrus Leafminer?

What is Citrus Leafminer? (Phyllocnistis citrella)

Citrus leafminer is a small silver-white moth with a wingspan of only 5mm. Its larvae are considered a serious pest on citrus trees of all kinds.

How to identify Citrus Leafminer

Leafminer larvae tunnel their way through the leaves leaving silvery trails, causing the leaf to twist and curl.

What damage can Citrus Leafminers make?

Severe infestations can stunt young tree’s growth and reduce yield. An infestation can be identified by silver trails on the leaf surface and distorted and curled leaves.

How to control Citrus Leafminer

1. Control infestations by removing any affected leaves (bag & bin) that may be hiding pupae.
2. Spray the tree with Eco-oil or Neem oil to prevent the moth from laying new eggs.
3. Attract natural enemies, such as parasitic wasps and lacewings by planting beneficial attracting plants such as dill, coriander, Queen Anne’s lace, fennel, tansy, alyssum, parsley, marigold, and thyme.

Top Tip

Avoid over fertilising and irrigating during summer and autumn to limit flush growth.

Fertilise trees in winter to promote flush in spring when the citrus leafminer is scarce.