The Plant Health Service of the Region of Valencia has warned of a citrus mealybug pest affecting kaki plantations, after finding indications of biological activity in the control points set up in the fruit's production areas.
Usually, this insect remains hidden in the cracks and dry stumps of trunks and main branches, but in some cases, larvae and adult females have been detected in the fruit have already been observed.
The insect's attacks are quite irregular and are usually focused in one place. The appearance of this pest is strongly related to the presence of ants in the plant, so it is very important to spot them in order to locate the first citrus mealybug foci.
It is advisable for treatments to be carried out during the first half of July in those plots that already suffered damage from the pest last season, or where the insect's presence was detected. The recommended products for its prevention are: paraffin oil and spirotetramat 10% [SC] p / v.
Source: agronewscomunitatvalenciana.com
