Time to check trees for citrus gall wasp
Now is the time to monitor citrus trees for the destructive pest, citrus gall wasp, which attacks all types of citrus trees, reducing the amount of fruit produced and in severe cases, can cause tree dieback.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and industry group WA Citrus are appealing to citrus tree owners in regional Western Australia to check their trees and implement control measures to reduce the threat to the WA citrus industry.
The wasp is an Australian native insect from northern New South Wales and Queensland, which has established in Perth suburbs after it was first detected in 2013. It forms distinctive galls on stems which look like woody bulges up to 250 mm long and 25 mm thick.
New-season galls started to become visible in April and are easy to see by June. Pruning out branches affected by galls is essential for controlling citrus gall wasp, and June is the ideal time to do this.
Any pruning of branches after 30 June will also need solarising treatment, where the material is placed in a sealed plastic bag and left in the sun, to stop wasps emerging from the galls.
Regional citrus tree owners are encouraged to check their trees and use the department’s MyPestGuideTM Reporter app to report its presence or absence. These reports help us to keep track of the wasps spread.
The wasp could move into regional areas on infested trees from the Perth Metropolitan area. It is important to keep a close eye on any recently purchased or relocated trees and act quickly if galls appear.
Further information on citrus gall wasp control is available on the department's website.
Anyone finding citrus gall wasp can report it using the department’s MyPestGuideTM Reporter app or send an email to the Pest and Disease Information Service or phone (08) 9368 3080.