Pest identification
What's eating my blood orange moro?
Citrus leafminer
Signs: Silvery tunnels in new leaves; distorted flushes slow the tree's establishment
Control: Neem oil or spinosad targeted at each new leaf flush; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser
California red scale
Signs: Reddish circular scales on bark, leaves, and rind; yellowing, twig dieback
Control: Horticultural oil in spring; parasitic wasp (Aphytis melinus) inoculation
Stink bugs / shield bugs
Signs: Sunken, pithy spots in fruit flesh; corky discoloration under rind
Control: Hand-pick adults; use exclusion netting on fruit clusters; plant trap crops nearby
Aphids
Signs: Curled, honeydew-coated new shoot tips; sooty mold
Control: Strong water jet; insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators
Keep blood orange moro pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Blood Orange Moro pests — FAQ
What is eating my blood orange moro?
Blood Orange Moro attracts the same citrus pest complex as other sweet oranges. Citrus leafminer disfigures new flushes, scale insects build up on bark, and aphids colonise shoot tips. In warm regions, citrus whitefly is a nuisance. Stink bugs and birds pierce and damage ripening fruit, which is especially frustrating given the prized deep-red flesh.
How do I get rid of citrus leafminer on blood orange moro?
Silvery tunnels in new leaves; distorted flushes slow the tree's establishment Neem oil or spinosad targeted at each new leaf flush; avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser
How do I get rid of california red scale on blood orange moro?
Reddish circular scales on bark, leaves, and rind; yellowing, twig dieback Horticultural oil in spring; parasitic wasp (Aphytis melinus) inoculation
How do I get rid of stink bugs / shield bugs on blood orange moro?
Sunken, pithy spots in fruit flesh; corky discoloration under rind Hand-pick adults; use exclusion netting on fruit clusters; plant trap crops nearby
How do I get rid of aphids on blood orange moro?
Curled, honeydew-coated new shoot tips; sooty mold Strong water jet; insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators