Citrus leaf miner (Phyllocnistis citrella stainton) management: A review

Studies on management of Citrus leaf miner (CLM), Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Gracillariidae, Phyllocnistinae: Lepidoptera) indicated that the use of insect proof screens in nurseries, timely fertilizer application, flush management, exploitation of bioagents like the parasitic wasps: Cirrospilus quadristriatus, Tetrastichus phyllocnistoides, Ageniaspis citricola etc. and strategic use of systemic organophosphates and pyrethroids can be instrumental in managing the pest effectively. In advanced citrus industries like in Australia, South Africa and USA bioagent complex have been gainfully harnessed against CLM, but in India potential in this aspect have not been exploited as potent management tool till today. The use of insect growth regulators (IGRs), nematodes, mineral oils, petrolium oils and imidacloprid, a new molecule, was found promising in checking the CLM. It is unlikely that single control method will provide solution to CLM problem. An indepth study regarding the effect of various management aspects consisting of bio-agents, botanicals and IGRs is of great importance in order to have environmentally safe, economically feasible and socially acceptable means of CLM management.