We are going to know the main diseases and pests of the orange tree. In this entry we will attach a description of each of the pests or diseases as well as an example of treatment with the raw materials to be used. In addition, photographs are also attached for a better detection of the problem you may have.

If, despite the correct fertilization of your orange tree , it is affected by a plague or disease, we leave you this information so that you can analyze and identify the main pests and diseases of the orange tree  with the greatest agronomic impact.

 ORANGE TREE PESTS

MITES

They have a very small size, around 0.3 – 0.6 mm. They can be divided into two types, red spider ( Tetranychus urticae) and red mite (Panonychus citri). The damages that they present on the orange tree are the following:

Red spider: It is arranged on the underside of the leaves, taking a yellowish color and a concave formation.

Red mite : the bites of this mite turn the leaf of a dull color, causing the greatest damage at the end of summer and beginning of autumn.

Here you can see the treatments authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture against citrus mites.

 WHITEFLY ( ALEUROTHRIXUS FLOCCOSUS )

The adult whitefly creates a honeydew that can completely cover the leaf (underside), promoting the development of the bold disease . In addition, this molasses weakens the formation of shoots and attracts new pests of the orange tree , such as mealybugs and mites, in addition to some diseases.

One way to discover the whitefly among the pests of the orange tree is based on observing the circulation of ants (attracted by the honeydew) climbing up the trunk to the leaves.

Recommended treatments for the control of whitefly in orange trees.

CALIFORNIA RED LOUSE ( AONIDIELLA AURANTII )

The posh red has a hard, red shell . It is of great importance among the pests of the orange tree, presenting a preference for the fruit. The most severe damage occurs on the fruits. If it is on the fabric, it shows chlorotic stains, turning yellow and finally falling to the ground.

Treatment for the control of california red lice.

APHIDS

They present different species of aphids in the case of the orange tree, ( Toxoptera aurantii, Aphis spiraecola, Aphis gossypi and Myzus persicae ). Damage occurs by sucking the sap from the plant material, causing a progressive curl of the leaves. It produces a large amount of molasses, which can cause the development of diseases such as “bold”.

Authorized treatment for aphid control.

TRIPS (PEZOTHRIPS KELLYANUS)

Damage to the orange tree is observed in the developing fruit, around the calyx. Apart from the damage to the upper part, damage to the sides is also observed.

Authorized and recommended treatments for thrips control.

ORANGE TREE DISEASES

WATERY OR BROWN ROT

This disease is caused by several species of fungi of the genus Phytophthora sp. ( Phytophthora nicotiane  var. Parasitic and Phytophthora citrophthora).

They cause direct damage to the roots, with gum exudates and canker formation at the base of the trunk. The orange tree begins to weaken, beginning a defoliation after the typical coloration of the central nerve to yellowish tones.

Effective ways to control and eliminate watery in citrus fruits.

ORANGE TREE GUM

On the trunk, in the lower part, there is a dark spot in the shape of a triangle. The disease originates in the root of the orange tree and spreads along the trunk , causing cracks on it. The general symptoms of the tree are a complete weakening and a decay of leaves, which turn yellow. In an advanced stage of the disease, the trunk, branches and sometimes fruits exude gummosis . Hence the name of the disease.

This disease must be controlled by avoiding waterlogging of the soil, filing or scraping the affected surface and painting it with a brush based on liquid fungicides with copper content. Another solution is to apply potassium permanganate and Bordeaux paste to the dry, polished surface.

Check the recommended treatments to reduce and eliminate gummies.

ANTRACNOSIS (GLOEOSPORIUM LIMETTICOLUM CLAUS)

This disease develops on the leaves and fruits of the orange tree. Produces a brownish stain with very well defined edges. In some cases, gummy exudations can also be observed on young branches. The advance of the disease continues with the defoliation of the orange tree, also observing brown rots on the fruit .

Control of anthracnose in citrus.

To increase your knowledge, there are very interesting books dedicated exclusively to dealing with citrus pests and diseases .