Citron Arthropod Pests in the Mediterranean, Their Origin and Notes on Their Biology and Management

Abstract

All arthropods associated with citron (Citrus medica) are also known on other citrus species and there is marked similarity between the key pests of citron and lemon. The pests discussed are mainly related to the situation in Israel and in Santa Maria del Cedro in Italy. The 28 reviewed species are: eight mites (Aceria sheldoni, Aculops pelekassi, Brevipalpus californicus, Eutetranychus orientalis, Panonychus citri, Phyllocoptruta oleivora, Polyphagotarsonemus latus, Tetranychus urticae), three thrips (Chaetanaphothrips orchidii, Frankliniella occidentalis, Scirtothrips dorsalis), one leafhopper (Asymmetrasca decedens), one whitefly (Aleurocanthus spiniferus), two planthoppers (Diaphorina citri, Trioza erytreae), five aphids (Aphis craccivora, Aphis gossypii, Aphis spiraecola, Myzus persicae, Toxoptera aurantii), scale insects (Aonidiella aurantii, Coccus hesperidum, Icerya purchase, Parlatoria pergandii, Planococcus citri), one fruit fly (Ceratitis capitate), five fruit moths (Apomyelois ceratoniae, Cryptoblabes gnidiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Prays citri, Thaumatotibia leucotreta) and one woodborer (Anoplophora chinensis). These are considered major pests. Since any arthropod infestation or injury to the fruit renders it non-kosher, citron orchards require a strict pest management regime. The citron fruits are more susceptible than most other commercial citrus varieties to mites and sucking insects, to the citrus flower moth and to the citrus bud mite, but to a much lesser extent to fruit flies.