Citrus IPM Module
Practical IPM plan for citrus covering protected citrus, conservatory systems and commercial glasshouse production.
Main focus: scale insects, mealybug, spider mite, whitefly and sooty mould.
Main pest risks
| Pest | Risk | Main trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Mealybug | High | Dense sheltered growth |
| Scale insects | High | Warm protected conditions |
| Spider mites | Moderate | Hot dry conditions |
| Whitefly | Moderate | Warm humid crops |
| Sooty mould | Moderate | Honeydew accumulation |
Monitoring plan
Best practical rule: inspect stems, leaf undersides and sheltered canopy areas carefully. Citrus pests often establish unnoticed in hidden zones.
| Area | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Leaf undersides | Whitefly and scale |
| Stem junctions | Mealybug |
| Dense canopy | Humidity and mould |
| Lower leaves | Spider mite |
| Sticky surfaces | Honeydew and sooty mould |
Environmental risk
| Condition | Likely issue |
|---|---|
| Warm humid canopy | Whitefly |
| Dense shelter | Mealybug |
| Hot dry weather | Spider mite |
| Honeydew build-up | Sooty mould |
Hidden hotspots
Citrus pests often establish: - deep inside canopy - around stems - on undersides of leaves - in sheltered warm zones
Useful practices: - improve airflow - thin dense canopy - inspect hidden areas weekly - isolate hotspots early
Key message
Citrus IPM depends heavily on early detection of hidden pests such as mealybug and scale.