Lemons are a popular and nutritious fruit in New Zealand, with their juice and zest used to flavour many dishes. The leaves of lemon trees are also of great interest and have a unique flavour and aroma. The question of ‘what eats lemon tree leaves in New Zealand?’ is an important one, and this article will provide an overview of the animals and insects that commonly feed on these leaves.
Pest Insects
Pest insects such as aphids, mites, and scale are known for feeding on the leaves of lemon trees as well as on other citrus fruits in New Zealand. Aphids and mealybugs, which are particularly common, feed on the sap of lemon tree leaves, sucking it from the underside of the leaves and causing them to curl and yellow. Other insects, such as thrips, may also chew on the foliage, resulting in a similar response from the leaves. In considerable numbers, these insects can greatly reduce a lemon tree’s production and even damage and kill the tree, making them a major threat for lemon tree farmers.
Non-Pest Insects
Aside from the pest insects that typically feed on the leaves of lemon trees, there are many non-pest insects, or beneficial insects, that also consume the foliage of lemon trees. Such insects include the beneficial ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other sucking insects, as well as other species of beneficial predatory insects that feed on mealybugs and other pests. These beneficial insects are very important in keeping the population of pest insects under control and helping to protect the lemon trees.
Vertebrates
Vertebrate animals, such as birds and lizards, are also known to consume the leaves of lemon trees, although usually less than insects. In particular, lorikeets, waxeyes, and silvereyes are some of the most common visitors to lemon trees, eating the foliage, flowers, and fruits of the tree. While such birds do not typically cause much harm to a healthy lemon tree, if the bird is carrying a disease that affects the lemon tree, this can be catastrophic.
Other Consumers
Apart from insects and birds, other species or organisms may consume the leaves of lemon trees as well. Reptiles, such as skinks and geckos, are known to produce a brushing action as they move through the foliage of a lemon tree, eating the leaves, flowers, and fruit in the process. Slugs and snails may also feed on the leaves of a lemon tree. In addition, snails may be attracted to the calcium in the lemon tree leaves, which they use to produce the shell of their snails. Therefore, it is important to keep the area around a lemon tree free of debris to encourage other species to live there.
Managing Lemon Tree Leaves
Knowing what eats the leaves of lemon tree in New Zealand is important for better managing and understanding the tree. To protect the tree, it may be necessary to use pesticides or other repellents to deter pest insects and birds. For beneficial insects, it is important to create a beneficial insect habitat to attract them to the tree, thereby helping to reduce the pest population. As well, keeping the lemon tree healthy and providing proper pruning to remove diseased and dead foliage is important for keeping the tree in good condition.
Organic Pest Management of Lemon Tree Leaves
Organic pest management does not use the traditional methods of pesticide control, but instead relies on other methods for keeping pests under control. Such methods include attracting beneficial insects to the lemon tree, physical removal of the pests, and the use of organic repellents such as garlic spray and neem oil. Additionally, certain plants may be used to help repel pests from the lemon tree, such as marigolds and chrysanthemums.
Organic Nutrient Feeding of Lemon Tree Leaves
Organic nutrient inputs can be an effective way to promote healthy foliage and fruits in lemon trees. Organic inputs such as compost and mulch provide the tree with the nutrients it needs while also promoting soil health and providing important organisms with a food source. Compost tea and liquid seaweed are also excellent sources of nutrients and minerals that promote healthy growth, help the tree to resist disease and pests, and increase its overall vigour.
Organic Pruning of Lemon Tree Leaves
Pruning is essential for keeping the lemon tree in good condition, removing dead and diseased branches and promoting the growth of new, healthy foliage. Pruning should be done carefully, with an eye to preserving the shape of the tree, and during certain times of the year to allow for better healing and regrowth. All pruning tools should be sharp and clean to reduce the risk of infecting the lemon tree with disease.
Organic Soil Management of Lemon Tree Leaves
Organic soil management is important for ensuring the health of the lemon tree’s roots, which then helps to promote the health of the leaves and fruit. The soil should be regularly monitored and amended as needed to provide nutrients, maintain proper drainage, and create an ideal environment for beneficial organisms that help to keep the tree healthy. Well-balanced organic fertilisers, such as slow-release fertilisers, may also be used to supplement the soil with additional nutrition.
