â MinorðĐš
Pests
Aphids on Lemon Tree New Growth
Commonly affects: Citrus limon (Lemon Tree)
Small soft-bodied insects cluster on tender new shoots and flower buds, causing distorted growth and sticky honeydew residue.
Potential Causes
- 1Aphids attracted to the soft, tender tissue of new flush growth
- 2Warm conditions favouring rapid population growth
- 3Ants farming aphid colonies for honeydew, sometimes protecting them from natural predators
Solution Steps
- 1Rinse affected new growth with a strong water spray to dislodge light infestations
- 2Apply insecticidal soap, covering new shoots and the undersides of young leaves thoroughly
- 3Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings in outdoor-grown trees
- 4Control ant activity nearby, since ants protect and spread aphid colonies
Prevention Tip
Check new flush growth regularly during the growing season, since aphids reliably target this soft, tender tissue before spreading elsewhere on the tree.
