Episode: #3 16/09/2006
Presenter: Fiona Bruyn

You sometimes see on citrus trees that a black mould has developed over the fruit and leaves, but how do you get rid of it?

It is caused by aphids. They are bugs that like to suck the life out of tasty new buds and shoots. While they munch on your citrus tree they also release a sticky residue. A mould then grows of it which looks like soot, which is why it is called sooty mould.

Ants can also be to blame for aphid attacks as they will take the aphids from plant to plant and harvest the sticky stuff. It is known as a symbiotic relationship; where two organisms work together in order to survive.

To stop the mould, you have to stop the aphids, and the best way to do this is with Pest Oil, available in both a pre-mixed spray pack or, in a concentrated form. Mix up the Pest Oil and spray the entire tree in a good fine mist. The oily coating will cover the leaves and smother any sap sucking insect, giving your tree super protection and a great head start this spring. It is also safe for you and the animals that feed off the citrus tree, like small birds.

As for the best way to get rid of the mould off the fruit, soapy water and a rinse will do the trick otherwise the rain should wash it away after a little time.

Giving your citrus tree the right food is very important. Always choose a dedicated citrus fertilizer like Yates Citrus Food which contains the right balance of nutrients and trace elements to keep your tree healthy and fruitful.

Apply the fertilizer to the drip line of the tree; it is important as most of the active roots grow there. Keep your grass away from the base of the plant as citrus and grass are both very greedy feeders.

It is not a good idea to use a line trimmer around the bottom of your tree to keep the grass down as ring barking caused by line trimmers can be fatal to your tree. It is safer and easier to use newspaper. Put it down around the base and it will block the sunlight off and kill the grass. Then cover the newspaper with lovely rich mulch, but make sure you don?t put the newspaper down too thick or you will stop the water from getting to the tree roots.

Both Dean Boone and Fiona will be giving talks on the 17^th of December, 2006 at the Hornsby Shire Garden Expo at Fagan Park in Galston. Entry is free and parking is $4, which goes towards the restoration of the park.

If you have a garden question ask us as at the Garden Gurus by joining our online club. Register at www.thegardengurus.tv and enjoy the benefits of being part of our ever growing group.

Featured Products

Yates Pest Oil
-          For control of citrus leaf miner, scales, mites, mealy bug, aphids and white fly.
-          Low toxic and highly effective.
-          Includes UV inhibitors which reduce potential leaf burn during hot weather.
-          Easy to use.

Yates Citrus Food
-          Specially developed granular fertiliser for feeding garden planted citrus.
-          Balanced blend of nitrogen for healthy foliage growth and phosphorus and
          potassium for large juicy fruit.
-          A fast acting granular plant food.
-          Specifically formulated for all types of citrus.
-          Also contains trace elements for all round citrus health.