Citrus pest- pezothrips
Date: 22 Aug 2002 Author: Jianhua Mo
There are several species of thrips found in citrus. Of these, Pezothrips kellyanus (Kelly’s thrip) is of particular concern. It is a major pest in the Riverland and Sunraysia. All citrus varieties can be attacked, but lemons are particularly susceptible.
Description
- Adult pezothrips are black, and 2–3 mm long.
- The life cycle consists of eggs, two larval stages, pre-pupa, pupa and adult.
- There are about six generations per year.
Damage
- Pezothrips feed on young tissue, particularly near the calyx, producing a circular stem-end scar (halo).
Monitoring
- Check for pezothrips in spring and autumn.
Natural enemies
- Some parasitic wasps.
Control measures
- Control measures are needed when 5% or more young fruits, or 10% or more maturing fruits, are infested. Pezothrips can be controlled with chlorpyrifos or methamidophos. However, both chemicals are quite disruptive to IPM programs. Avoid using them unless absolutely necessary.
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