Integrated Management of Sap Feeders in Citrus

Currently, India ranks third amongst the citrus producing countries with a production of 100 lakh tons from 9.85 lakh hectare and a productivity 12.8 tons/ha at national level. The productivity and quality of citrus is severely affected by several factors; insect pests being one of them. As many as 250 insect species have been reported attacking citrus of which a dozen of them are of economic importance. Management of these sucking insect pests at the right stage drastically helps to reduce the overload of insecticidal sprays thereby assists in sustaining the productivity of the orchard. Sucking insect pests like citrus psylla, blackfly/ whitefly, aphids, thrips and leaf miner are among the important pests of three flushing seasons in citrus viz., Ambia (February-March), Mrig (June-July) and Hasta (October-November). Identification of insect pest, incidence and damage symptoms are critical for implementing appropriate control measures.