Strange. Do you live right by the ocean?

Josh

I wish (lol). I'm in Raleigh.

It looks dry, but don't take my advice, i'm no expert

That is broad mite damage; it is done when the fruit is very small. Bayer has a great product to protect against it; here it is called Oberon, maybe something else there; but your husband will know. Here we call the pest Acaro Blanco, which means white mite; when we see it (crinkly edged new leaves) we spray that tree and every tree surrounding it; the broad mite is not very migratory.

Strictly cosmetic though? Or no?

Cosmetic to a point; but when they start to ripen, you may have to harvest them a little early to prevent rot.

Thank you so much John. I really appreciate it!

John - we actually have some of that at home for future use. Is there a time of year that those mites are more active?

They normally affect the newest growth and flowers; the most common symptom is crinkly leaf edges on new leaves; you need a 10X loupe to see them; then spray with Oberon which is super effective and remains active for up to 15 days... enuf to control them until next year.

Here's info http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r107400311.html -- that's for large scale growers so the suggested pesticides aren't suitable for home use. Bad news: no inf og=for home gardeners.

BUT the above blurb has a link to citrus red mite with which is is often present at the same time. Unfortunately, that link also goes to the commercial info.

Here's the version for home use citrus red mite: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/GARDEN/FRUIT/PESTS/citrredmite.html

B

John - I know Oberon is foliar spray only but have you also used Movento? Movento is foliar and systemic.

I have a new lemon starting and the rind is starting to get that same look. Not sure if I should just foliar spray.

Monica,

Once the mite has done the damage, there is no cure. Sorry. BTW, thanks to your "nudge" I checked my garden trees yesterday and found some mites on one; so I put Oberon on all of them.

:-( thanks John. I'll still spray mine and hope no further damage is done.