Symptoms
Serpentine silvery mines on the surface of young leaves. Leaf curling and distortion from mining. Mines visible as winding trails with a larval frass line. Severe infestations stunt young trees and delay establishment.
Prevention
Protect young flush growth with regular monitoring. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes susceptible flush. Use selective insecticides to preserve natural enemies. Prune to synchronize new growth flushes.
Treatment
Organic
Apply neem oil or spinosad during leaf flush. Release Ageniaspis citricola parasitoid. Prune and destroy mined leaves to reduce population. Avoid broad-spectrum sprays.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply abamectin or imidacloprid during new leaf flush. Time applications at early leaf expansion for best results. Repeat every 7-10 days during flush period.
Affects 1 crop
Sources
MARDI Citrus Production Guide; DOA Extension Bulletin