Visual inspections detect the presence of Aleurocanthus spiniferus in citrus plantations in the Ulcinj municipality

It is necessary to conduct regular plant inspections, especially the underside of leaves, to detect the possible presence of the species in areas where it has not been recorded, and where it has, to monitor the population development (adult emergence, egg laying, and larval pupation) and apply protective measures. Inspections should be carried out wherever host plants are found: in production orchards (citrus and other cultivated host plants), on plants near orchards, in yards and courtyards, and other potential sites such as hotel complexes, city parks, markets, etc. To facilitate mass trapping (in areas where the species is present) and reduce the likelihood of adults flying onto host plants, as well as to determine possible presence (especially in areas where the species has not yet been found), yellow sticky traps should be hung in as many locations as possible—both in production orchards (monitoring population development and vegetative growth, especially for citrus which has three growth phases during the season) and on plants in the vicinity. When applying treatments, care should be taken that adults prefer to lay eggs on younger leaves and those in active growth phases. A small amount of liquid dish detergent (one tablespoon per 10 liters of solution) can be added to improve adherence of the treatment to the plants. Conclusion: By implementing all these measures, it is essential to prevent and limit the spread of the species from the urban area of Ulcinj to citrus plantations, where the species has not yet been recorded, thus protecting the main citrus production areas in Montenegro.