How to stop gall wasp on lemon tree?

Hi everyone.

We have gall wasp in our lemon tree. We’ve been repeatedly cutting it out over the years but it keeps coming back! 🙁 I just want to let my poor tree grow!! Do those yellow pest strips actually work? Or anything else other than severe pruning?

Keen to hear everyone's tips. Thanks.

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Comments

Jason

Hi @Isobel,

I’ve chatted to horticulturists about this problem as we have had difficulties with the wasps too and they recommended the pest strips. They are also inexpensive so certainly worth a try. They are a lot less invasive than harsh pruning.

I am interested to hear other people's experiences.

Jason

bluebec

Hi @Isobel

Citrus Gall Wasp is a big problem in Melbourne (and Australia). They keep coming back because you'll have neighbours somewhere with the same problem - and they may or may not be addressing it.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-04/save-our-citrus-group-campaigns-to-rescue-melbourne-lemon-trees/6749858

I'd recommend talking to your neighbours and getting them to talk to their neighbours and so on so you can try and eradicate it from a wider area.

Joker

I've given up cutting it out, pruning seemed to be hurting the tree too much and we went years without getting any fruit. The trees seem to cope OK now.

Joe

Eric

The yellow strips seemed to help a lot for my little trees. I also used a scalpel and chopped off any I saw if it was still a small lump.

timjeffries

Definitely use the strips. You must also cut it out though. If you leave it the new ones hatch and it keeps creating the problem. Need a neighbourhood campaign to really get rid of it. 🙁

Isobel

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/488#Comment_488

I've finally got around to getting some strips. Will let you know how I go with them.

Thanks for the advice.

RosieW

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/62563#Comment_62563

I slice the top of a gall and the eggs die, but that only works if I keep at it. I have never heard of those yellow strips - thanks going to try them.

Isobel

How's everyones citrus going? I'm perservering with both the yellow strips and cutting it out, but without the heavy pruning of previous years as I want as much fruit and growth as possible. Still an ongoing battle!

Stephen-H

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/3810#Comment_3810

Hi @Isobel, I worked with an Entomologist a few years ago on a citrus gall wasp (CGW) trial with interesting results. The trials are still ongoing and are directed to the citrus industry so have chemical levels in fruit in mind for export.
A product called Surround Koalin Clay was trialed on moderate to heavy infested trees with good results and a number of systemic chemicals were sprayed and also applied via drip, with ranging results.
https://www.citrusaustralia.com.au/news/latest-news/protective-spray-reduces-gall-wasp
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/340609/citrus-gall-wasp-in-southern-australia.pdf
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/horticulture/citrus/content/insects-diseases-disorders-and-biosecurity/insect-pest-articles/citrus-gall-wasp-project-update
Parasitic wasps were also released with good results long term.
Confidor Guard was the the most outstanding preformerthrough the drippers. I am not sure what the outcome of the application to the APVMA for licence to use it on citrus is though.
Guard is expensive and the smallest container is 5lt. I have used Confidor (not Guard) this year at 16ml per tree watered into the ground in late october and have noticed that most of the galls are still intact

http://horticulture.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Strategies-to-manage-citrus-gall-wasp-%E2%80%93-current-findings-March-2017.pdf
This page shows the results of the trial while i was involved
In the Sunraysia Lemon trial the reduction of galls with the Confidor Guard was visually noticable from one year to the next.
Hope this helps

Nino

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64095#Comment_64095

Hi All,

I am new to this Forum. I have had Gall wasp issues on my lemon tree for a number years.

I have pruned, cut back to bare trunk, removed the gall but they still kept coming back.

I did some serious research into a Product called Kaolin Clay also known as Surround.

I remember my later father spraying everything from Fruit trees, Grape Vine to tomato plants with a homemade brew of Garden Lime and Copper Sulphate crystals. This inspired my research into Kaolin Clay.

I tracked down and purchased this Kaolin Clay ($110 for 12.5Kg) expensive but worth every cent.

Start of September last year I mixed 10g per 1lt of water and sprayed my Lemon tree and other fruit trees with this mixture.

You should spray your lemon tree(s) between September and December for maximum protection from Gall Wasp.

It is now May and I am happy to report that My lemon tree is FREE from Gall wasp.

I highly recommend this product and does not need to be mixed with other pesticides like white oil but you can if you wish to give your tree added protection against leaf miner which appears to become active during March/April.

Hope this helps you all with Gall Wasp Issues.

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/97541#Comment_97541

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Nino. It's amazing to have you join us, and many thanks for contributing to the discussion.

It's funny that you mention Kaolin clay as I've been researching it recently but for a very different purpose. It seems to be a bit of a wonder item and has many uses within beauty products, porcelain, soap, paint, paper and many other products. I would be intrigued to know what exactly it is doing that prevents Gall wasp.

Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community, as I trust any members with a recurring Gall wasp issue will turn to your advice. We look forward to hearing all about your projects and plans around the house and garden and would encourage you to let us know if you ever need assistance or have something to share. I'm sure you'll find loads of inspiration here as our creative members constantly share their wonderful ideas.

Mitchell

Nino

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115443#Comment_115443

Hi Mitchell,

Kaolin Clay deposits a very fine layer of the product over the whole tree, leaves and Trunk.

Any Gall Wasp that may be infesting the tree at that time will suffocate as they cannot tolerate the fine powder and it also stops the Female Wasp from nesting or laying its eggs on the new shoots, thus eradicating this pest, spraying is recommended between September and December when the Gall Wasp is most active.

Cheers Nino (6246)

kate5

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/97541#Comment_97541

Hi Nino,

Kaolin Clay was suggested to me last year too in relation to Gall Wasps on citrus tress, but it was already September when I started looking into it and couldn't find much on the product.

Are you able to share where you managed to get the Kaolin Clay from? I'd love to get some for this year as the problem has now spread to my 2 smaller citrus trees this year.

Thanks

StevieB

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115655#Comment_115655

Welcome @kate5 and thanks for jumping in and contributing to this discussion.

Let me tag @Noelle and @LisasGarden who may be able to help, as well as @EricL who will be back on the site on Friday.

Stevie

LisasGarden

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125742#Comment_125742

Hi there, I don’t know much about the clay but this is how I treat mine. I had a problem for quite a few years and used to prune them off. It was a vicious circle though, as the wasp loves the new growth. Now I just inspect the trees regularly and scrape the gall to expose them and they die.

Nino

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115655#Comment_115655

Hi Kate5,

Surround Kaolin Clay can be purchased from Nutrient Ag Solution.

They only sell it in 12Kg Bags when I last purchased it, cost was $108.00 for the 12Kg Bag.

They do not sell it in smaller quantities. It may be a good idea if you can get together with others to purchase it as it lasts a long time and goes a long way.

(Due to Covid opening times may differ as advertised) It is best to call them first, they do have other branches, but this is the only one outlet that carries the product.

7 George St Wandin North

Ph: 03 5964 3566

Hours: Monday - Saturday 08.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Hope this helps and I have not seen any Galls on my tree since last year. I have attached instructions and disregard Eltham Address on Leaflet

Kaolin Clay.jpg

kate5

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/125743#Comment_125743

Thanks everyone, and thanks for the info @Nino . @LisasGarden I'm planning on scraping back the galls on 2 of the trees as they're still quite small and newer, however the main tree is really big and I'm not confident I'll be able to manage scrapping them all - especially around the top of the canopy, hence wanting to try the Kaolin Clay too.

Meeds

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/115443#Comment_115443

Hi Mitchell

Will Bunnings look to stock the Kaolin Clay ?

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126805#Comment_126805

Hello @Meeds

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining the discussion.

Allow me to make some inquiries for you about the Kaolin Clay. Gall wasp infestation is a menace and spreads rapidly from tree to tree. I suggest having a look at the Go Natural Citrus Gall Wasp And Medfly Insect Trap as an added form of insect control. As soon as I have more information about the Kaolin Clay, I'll get back to you.

Eric

Nino

Hi Eric,

Following up on the request for information on Kaolin Clay

1) What is it

2) How does it work

3) where to Purchase

4) How to use it

What is it - Kaolin Clay is a non poisons compound made up of natural clays and Lime.

How does it work - You spray the clay and water mixture onto your lemon tree at least twice a year make sure you spray in September to to obtain maximum control of the Gall Wasp. The wasp does not like the spray residue thus will not lay eggs in the lemon tree.

Where to Purchase -Nutrient Ag Solutions, 1 George St Wandin North Vic. It comes in a 12 Kg Bag and retailed for approx $120.

How to use it - Mix 5 grams to a litre of water (I make up 5 litres) and add one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.

Spray your tree(s) good for all trees and shrubs in March and September (Make sure you spray in September for maximum effect)

When dry your tree should look like a Christmas tree.

Fertilize your Citrus Trees twice yearly in February and August, use Pest oil when needed to control other pests and you will have a healthy Tree and Huge lemons.

I forgot to add that Kaolin Clay retails under the Brand Name of "Surround"

PThe white residue is Kaolin ClayKaolin Clay on the leaves

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126805#Comment_126805

Hi @Meeds,

Sorry, Bunnings currently doesn't stock a Kaolin clay-based product to control Gall wasps, but I've passed your feedback on to our merchandise team. We recommend the management of adult Gall wasp populations through the use of Go Natural Citrus Gall Wasp And Medfly Insect Traps and The Buzz Citrus Gall Wasp And Fruit Fly Trap. Also, check out our Best Advice article on How do you remove gall wasp from a lemon tree and this helpful guide on How to control gall wasp.

Mitchell

Nino

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/23515#Comment_23515

Hi all

Just an update to my last post regarding Gall Wasp on lemon trees - Since using Kaolin Clay, I am pleased to say that I have NOT had any Gall Wasp activity on my lemon tree.

I spray every 6 months March/April and September/October.

For people or members living in the Eastern Suburbs Bulleen Art and Garden (BAAG) sell Kaolin Clay in 500 gram Bags, rebranded as Overhaul for approx $20.00.

See Picture attached

They sell it under the Brand "Overhaul" Kaolin Clay.JPG

KK64

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126805#Comment_126805

Hi MItchell, i know this is an old post but i got kaolin clay at bunnings yesterday for $9.98 for the 1 kilo bag

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/126805#Comment_126805

Awesome @KK64! Great to see a new product added.

Many thanks for letting us know.

Mitchell

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/134254#Comment_134254

You will be happy to see your feedback has been heard @Noelle.

Hope you had a good weekend.

Jason

Kelly22

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/97541#Comment_97541

Very new here and my search landed on this thread, Thank you @Nino for putting forward a solution and Bunnings team for obviously leading to Bunnings now stocking Kaolin Clay.

Is it OK to use it on young citrus trees as a preventative measure?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122548#Comment_122548

Hi @Kelly22,

Apologies for the delay in response.

Having not used it myself, I have done some research and can't find anything to indicate it couldn't be used on a young citrus tree as long as it is properly mixed so that it doesn't interfere with the photosynthesis of the tree.

Allow me to tag one of our resident garden experts @Noelle to see what she thinks.

Jacob

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122548#Comment_122548

Hi @Kelly22

From my understanding of kaolin clay, it will not harm your young citrus tree when used as directed but I do have some doubts about its effectiveness as a preventative for gall wasp. It is used as a natural remedy to deter chewing and sap sucking pests (which the gall wasp isn't) but I don't think it would deter a wasp from landing on a stem and laying its eggs under the surface of the bark. You can try but there are other natural methods that are more effective.

KK64

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130440#Comment_130440

@Noelle since i have been using the kaolin clay i have had absolutely NO gall wasps at all, so i will continue to use the kaolin clay as it is natural and its very cheap to buy. If it doesnt work for you then thats ok, you obviously have other methods for gall wasps that work on your trees 🙂

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