Citrus gall wasp

Symptoms

Woody, elongated swellings (galls) on green twigs and stems, becoming corky and often several centimetres long; heavily galled branches are weak, dieback and reduced fruiting follow. Tiny exit holes appear on galls after adult wasps emerge in spring.

Plants affected

• sweet orange
• mandarin
• lemon tree

Common questions

How do I recognise Citrus gall wasp on sweet orange?

Woody, elongated swellings (galls) on green twigs and stems, becoming corky and often several centimetres long; heavily galled branches are weak, dieback and reduced fruiting follow. Tiny exit holes appear on galls after adult wasps emerge in spring.

Do I have to report Citrus gall wasp?

No. Citrus gall wasp is not a notifiable organism, so there is nothing to report to an authority. Treat it as a normal garden problem.

How is Citrus gall wasp treated?

Mainly with biological and cultural measures — removing affected material, changing the conditions that favour it, and treating with agents approved in your country. The exact steps and their timing depend on the plant, the season and where you live: Dr. Phyto works them out in a free diagnosis.