Citrus Leafm iner ( citrella) Introduced: First reported in Florida in Adults of the May 1993 in Miami-Dade, Broward, and leafminer Collier Counties. are small 1/12 inch Current Infestation: It now occurs in length (2mm) everywhere in Florida where citrus is that appear grown, and has spread to other Gulf white and Coast states. silvery with several black and tan markings. Description/Biology: The very tiny eggs are laid singly on the underside of Adults generally are too small to be easily immature host leaves in the evenings and noticed and are therefore, rarely early mornings. encountered. Adults live for only a few days. Larvae are very small, less than 1/6 inch (up to 0.5 cm) Seasonality: In Florida, one generation long, green- is produced about every three weeks, but yellow, populations increase when citrus are translucent, and producing new foliage (flushing). Citrus are found inside leafminer populations peak during the leaf mines. summer and early fall.

Larvae are best Hosts: The citrus leafminer is common identified by the on all species of citrus and their relatives meandering leaf (Rutaceae). Citrus leafminer is mines on the commonly found on leaves of limes, leaves and oranges, , and pummelo (Citrus occasionally on maxima). Florida records include various new shoots. Citrus spp., (Fortunella Larvae are crassifolia), calamondin (X Citrofortunella protected within the leaf during their microcarpa), orange jasmine (Murraya feeding cycle and are therefore difficult to paniculata), and boxthorn (Severinia control. buxifolia).

The pupal stage is within the mine in a Im portance: Damage by citrus leafminer special pupal cell at the leaf margin, does not significantly affect growth under a slight curl of the leaf. (except on young trees).

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, FLORIDA A. & M. UNIVERSITY COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PROGRAM, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.

Citrus Leafm iner (Phyllocnistis citrella) Dam age: Leaf curling and the presence Prune heavily infested shoots, reduce of serpentine —winding“ mines are usually nitrogen fertilization to discourage new found on the lower leaf surface and growth, and spray with horticultural oil as occasionally on the upper leaf surface soon as new shoots begin to develop. when Continue oil sprays every 10-14 days heavily until leaves harden off. Avoid spraying infested. when 80° F or above to avoid The leaf phytotoxicity. epidermis over the Grower - Citrus nursery stock are mines generally most affected by citrus appears leafminer damage. Since leafminer as a populations build up on flush growth, silvery film. Usually only one leaf mine is grove practices that will deter winter present per leaf but large leaves may flushes should be encouraged. Citrus have up to fifteen mines during serious leafminer greatly exacerbates the severity outbreaks. of citrus canker because the tunnels made by the leafminer are susceptible to Old damage appears as necrotic canker infection much longer than leafmines. The is no longer mechanical wounds. The introduced present. As a rule, mature leaves are not parasitoid, Ageniaspis citricola, makes a attacked. significant contribution to control of this pest and should, therefore, be conserved Managem ent: In Florida, chemical by avoiding unwarranted pesticide use. A control is limited but biological control and scouting program should be initiated to applications of horticultural oil are determine peak periods of larval activity. suitable methods to help reduce include , populations of citrus leafminer. Parasitic abamectin, , , wasps have been released to suppress and spinosad. Be sure to follow all label citrus leafminer to an acceptable level. instructions. Spiders also help reduce pest populations. W ebsites: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN165 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CH083 http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/citrus/ citrus_leafminer.htm http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/ clm.html Citrus leafm iner parasitoid: Ageniaspis citricola Homeowner and Professional - It is Authors: Adrian Hunsberger, UF/IFAS, Miami-Dade Extension more important to monitor and possibly Kim Gabel, UF/IFAS, Monroe Extension treat young trees. However, if a pesticide Catharine Mannion, UF/IFAS, TREC Homestead

is used, it must be registered for use on fruit trees in landscapes. Photo Credits: UF/IFAS, R. Duncan and J. Castner August 2006

Disclaimer: The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.