Hi again all, the leaves of my orange tree have squiggles on them and it looks like the cuticle(?) and upper epidermis(?) are being eaten or utilized for something by a pest. I can't see the insects anywhere, but I have a pic of the markings.
Can anyone ID what this is so I can find out what to do?
Citrus leaf miner.
Thanks for that. So from what i'm reading, apparently citrus tree miners don't do much damage and you can just leave them. Is that right?
About all they do is make the leaves kinda ugly....you can treat for them, but the treatment has to come before you see the damage....makes it a real guessing game. But, it does not hurt production...we have ugly leaves and a bumper crop of Native sweet oranges and Blood oranges.
I have heard that Neem oil will discourage them from laying eggs, but can't vouch for it. I just sprayed my trees with insecticidal soap to kill some of the scale and mealy bugs, and will spray with Neem oil next week, and monthly after that.
Leaf miners are sneaky and you have to catch them before the eggs hatch ...I found some info from University of Sydney that may be of use to you
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/137634/citrus-leafminer.pdf
and this info from UC Davis
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74137.html
Thanks for the links!
Surely...hope they are helpful.
Oh great, good to hear that the fruits aren't really affected
