Citrus blackfly.: Aleurocanthus woglumi;

Remove weeds and alternate hosts of blackfly (e.g. guava and pomegranate) from neighbouring areas to reduce the presence of blackfly populations.

Improve spacing and air circulation within citrus orchards by pruning infested plant areas to reduce suitable habitat for blackflies and population spread.

Avoid the use of wide spectrum pesticides so to conserve the natural enemies of blackfly such as parasitoids, ladybird and lacewing.

Monitor citrus trees for symptoms of blackfly infestation, also observe trees for distored leaves and ant presence.

Symptoms of blackfly infestation include sticky honeydew accumlating on leaves and stems and the appearance of sooty black mould. Ants are commonly associated with the presence of blackflies due to the honeydew deposits.

Adults are 1-1.7 mm long, black/grey insects. Young adults are initially orange bodied which darkens over time. The wings have pale markings in a band, with the legs having pale-yellow markings.

Larvae and pupal stages can be observed as sedintary, small black scales attached to the underside of leaves.

Eggs are found on the underside of leaves, they are golden brown and darken prior to hatching.

Control ant populations to reduce their ability to protect blackflies from natural enemies.

Use of parasitic wasps (e.g. Encarsia perplexa and Amitus hesperidum to reduce blackfly populations.

Use of fungi Ascgersoni aleurodis or Aegerita webberi to control larvae and pupae.

Use of neem seed extract spray (4%) to reduce blackfly populations and not harm natural enemies.