Citrus blossom midge

Systematic position. The citrus blossom midge (Contarinia citrina) belongs to the order Diptera and the family Cecidomyiidae. It is a significant pest of citrus crops, primarily focusing its damage on the floral and fruit-bearing parts of the trees.

Host plants and damage symptoms. This pest primarily attacks various species of citrus, including lemons and oranges. The larvae feed inside the developing buds and young fruit ovaries. This infestation causes the distortion of fruit shape, premature fruit drop, and significant loss of marketability for the harvested produce.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of Contarinia citrina is closely synchronized with the flowering stages of host plants. Adult females oviposit into the buds or young ovaries. The larvae feed internally for several stages before dropping to the soil, where they pupate. Overwintering occurs in the pupal stage within the soil beneath the canopy.

Economic impact. Under favorable environmental conditions, such as high humidity during the bloom, the citrus blossom midge can lead to severe crop failure, with infestation levels sometimes reaching over 70% of the potential harvest. Furthermore, damaged tissues are susceptible to secondary fungal infections, leading to rot.

Control measures. Integrated pest management (IPM) for this midge includes:

• Tilling the soil under the canopy to disrupt the pupation cycle of overwintering larvae.
• Sanitation practices, including the collection and destruction of infested fruitlets that have fallen to the ground.
• Monitoring adult flight activity using pheromone traps.
• Timed application of systemic insecticides during the early budding and flowering stages.