What to Do When Kumquats Get Pests? A Detailed Guide to Pest Control Methods

Kumquat, also known as small orange or golden citrus, is a common fruit in the Guangdong region, deeply loved by people for its juicy, sweet taste. It is now planted in many regions, but during cultivation it can attract all kinds of pests. So what should you do when kumquats get pests?

1. Leaf miner

Damage symptoms: The larvae mostly burrow under the epidermis on the underside of kumquat leaves, forming winding tunnels. The damaged leaves often curl and drop, seriously affecting growth and flowering and fruiting.

Control method: When new shoots sprout abundantly in spring and the shoots are no more than 1 cm long, spray with the biological pesticide Bacillus thuringiensis at 100 times dilution for good results, and it also protects the fruit. Omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution can also be used for spray control.

2. Panonychus citri

Damage symptoms: Citrus red mite, also called red spider mite or yellow spider mite, damages kumquat leaves, shoots and fruit, with leaves suffering the most severe damage and the heaviest occurrence from June to September. When leaves are damaged, many grayish-white dots appear on the upper surface and they lose their luster; in severe cases the whole leaf turns powdery white, causing heavy leaf drop.

Control method: During the occurrence period, spray with 0.3 degree lime sulfur mixture, or 40% dimethoate emulsion at 1000 times dilution, or 20% ovochlor wettable powder at 700 times dilution, once every half month for 3-4 sprays, with remarkable results.

3. Papilio polytes

Damage symptoms: This pest damages leaves as larvae. Young tender leaves are often eaten completely, and older leaves are often eaten until only the main vein remains.

Control methods:

(1) In winter, if overwintering pupae are found on the plants, they should be removed by hand promptly.

(2) Swallowtail larvae are relatively large and easy to spot. When they occur sporadically, they can be caught and killed promptly.

(3) During the larval occurrence period, spray with 90% trichlorfon technical material at 800 times dilution for control.