citrus pysllid - Knowledgebase Question

lakeside, Ca
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Question by bhbon
September 22, 2008
I HAVE WHAT I THOUGHT WAS A HEALTHY BLOOD ORANGE TREE..PLANTED IN MAY.
IT'S BEEN LOOKING VERY HEALTHY TIL ABBOUT A WEEK AGO THE ENDS OF THE LEAVES STARTED GETTING YELLOW AND LOOKING FUNNY.
THE LADY AT HOME DEPOT MENTIONED ASIAN CITRUS PYSLLID
SAID I SHOULD CHECK ON YOUR WEB PAGE. ANY INFO WOULD HELP.
THANK YOU
BONNIE


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Answer from NGA
September 22, 2008
Citrus pysllid is not common in your area so I think more investigation is warranted. Symptoms of pysllid feeding include stunted growth, sparsely foliated branches, unseasonal bloom, leaf and fruit drop, and twig dieback. Young leaves are chlorotic, with green banding along the major veins. Mature leaves have yellowish-green patches between veins, and midribs are yellow. In severe cases, leaves become chlorotic and have scattered spots of green. Fruits on greened trees are small, generally lopsided, underdeveloped, unevenly colored, hard, and poor in juice. Since you've just recently planted your blood orange, I think what you are seeing is simply a sign of transplant stress. It can take up to two years for the roots of a citrus tree to become established and for the tree to grow well. Odd shaped and odd colored new growth is quite common during this establishment period. I'd closely inspect the foliage, looking for adult insects or insect eggs. Aphid feeding can cause similar appearance. If you find no evidence of insects, the growth is probably normal considering your tree was recently planted. If you find the leaves unattractive, simply cut them off the tree.

Best wishes with your new tree!

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