A Guide to Identification of Soft-bodied Citrus Insect Pests

Of the many Homoptera pests that infest citrus groves, only a few affect the health and productivity of a tree to a level where control measures are necessary. The first step in controlling any pest is correct identification. Without this, appropriate biological or chemical control measures cannot be selected. Inappropriate pest management tactics may fail to provide control of the target pest and/or disrupt existing natural control of other pests, leading to secondary pest problems. Most of the pests included in this article are under biological control by predators, parasites and pathogens, thus minimizing the need for pesticide applications.