Citrus flower buds worm is a significant pest during the flowering period of citrus trees in the current spring season. Failure to control it in time can result in buds not opening and pollination failure, ultimately leading to significant yield losses. So, how to effectively control citrus flower buds worm? Let's find out.
The Harmful Characteristics of Citrus Flower Buds Worm
When the flower buds reach a diameter of 2-3 millimeters, the adult citrus flower buds worm lays eggs in the top of the buds. After hatching, the larvae feed on the flower organs, causing the stamen and pistil to turn brown, the buds to shorten significantly, and a lantern-like shape to form, commonly known as "lantern flowers". Moreover, infested flower buds often have petals with a slight green color and scattered green spots, leading to abnormal flowering and pollination failure, resulting in eventual withering and shedding, significantly affecting yield.
The Occurrence Regularity of Citrus Flower Buds Worm
This pest has one generation per year, with a few having two generations. The larvae overwinter in the soil. From late March to mid-April, when citrus begins to bud, the adults emerge from the soil. They hide in weeds or intercropped crops during the day and become active and lay eggs at night.
Methods for Controlling Citrus Flower Buds Worm
-
Manual Control: Before the larvae enter the soil, remove the infested flower buds, and boil or bury them to destroy the pests.
-
Enhanced Management:
-
End of February to Early March: Plow the shallow soil near the tree crown, which helps reduce pest damage.
-
Preventive Measures: Before the adults emerge, cover the soil with plastic film to prevent adults from emerging and laying eggs on trees, which has a good preventive effect.
-
Physical Control: During the peak period of adult citrus flower buds worm emergence after rain for 2-3 days, place flypaper coated with fenitrothion or yellow butter in the orchard to attract and trap the pests.
-
Spraying:
-
Ground Spray: When the adults emerge or before the larvae leave the buds to enter the soil, spray the ground with 40% parathion emulsifiable concentrate at 400 times dilution or 20% cypermethrin at 1000 times dilution, 1-2 times.
-
Foliar Spray: Before most flower buds turn white, when their diameter is 2-3 cm, and adults have emerged but have not laid eggs, spray the tree canopy. Use 2.5% deltamethrin or 20% cyfluthrin at 3000-4000 times dilution, or 80% dichlorvos at 1000 times dilution, every 3-5 days, for 2-3 consecutive times.
In summary, the harm caused by citrus flower buds worm is significant. During the flowering period, farmers must strengthen pest control measures to effectively manage this pest.
