Citrus Fruit Salad Trees grow up to six different fruit on the same tree. Mandarin, Orange, Lemonade, Lemon, Pomelo and Tangelo. They are great growers, producing fruit quickly if they are balanced well and enjoy lots of sunshine and are free from pests. Have you noticed ants on your fruit tree? Ants can be an indicator of aphids in your plants and trees. Read on for a detailed guide to identifying and treating the Citrus Aphid so that your Fruit Salad Tree can keep producing different and delectable fruit!
Description: Aphids are small (2mm) long, soft-bodied insects.
There are several species of aphids that are found on citrus trees, including brown citrus aphid, black citrus aphid, melon aphid, spiraea aphids.
Damage and Symptoms: Aphids produce a sticky substance (honeydew) as they feed on the plants (similar to scale insects). This honeydew attracts ants and can also encourage sooty mould. In 'payment' for the honeydew, ants protect the aphids from parasitic wasps. Any of these symptoms... honeydew, mould, ants or the aphids themselves indicate an infestation. Aphids can be a threat to young citrus trees by suck sap and decreasing vigour.
Season: Spring - Check young shoots in early September - late October and February to April for Summer-Autumn Flush.
Solution: You can efficiently get rid of small aphid colonies by simply crushing the insects by hand or pruning the affected area of the plant. Organic sprays can also be applied to the trees (use horticultural/pure soap or garlic/chilli based sprays mixed with water). Be sure to rinse the undersides of leaves because aphids hide there. For severe infestation, use a spray with horticultural oil (don't apply when the weather is over 32*C as plant leaves can burn) or insecticidal soap like Pyrethrum dust or spray. Be mindful of applying products that will destroy beneficial insects that are natural enemies of the aphid such as lady beetles, lacewings and parasitic wasps as they will devour aphids.
Reference: Department of Primary Industries NSW
Here at Fruit Salad Trees, we stock a wide range of fruit trees, which all boast different fruit on the same tree. Each fruit variety retains its own flavour, appearance and ripening time. We graft citrus, stonefruit and multi-apple trees.
Our fast fruiting trees can be grown in the ground, or in pots on your balcony.
Shop our wide range of trees now and check out our current specials here!
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