News

Photo credit: Eddy Dunn and Rohan Orford

Citrus Blossom Bug (CBB), Austropeplus annulipes, has again been detected in high numbers in macadamia orchards causing significant flower losses and reducing nut set. Early recognition is critical and damage from this pest should not be mistaken for “dry flower” symptoms.

Current situation

• Reports this season from Bundaberg indicate that CBB is potentially widespread.
• Pest scouts suggest damage in past seasons may have been under-reported.
• The pest is difficult to monitor, often hiding in dense foliage.
• The sucking pest can destroy entire racemes.

What growers/pest scouts are seeing in the orchard

Tree structure, environment and seasonal factors

• More damage inside block interiors, dense trees and sheltered areas.
• Higher damage in profiled blocks, stressed trees and those that had late ethephon treatments.

Cultivar susceptibility reports

• Most affected: A4 and A16.
• High levels: Daddow and 816.
• Lower levels: 741 (least affected so far).
• Variable: A203 (severe in past, less this year).

How to identify CBB

• Adults: 12–15 mm long, heart-shaped, brown to reddish-brown with pale banding on legs. Females have a yellow heart mark, males a V-shape.
• Nymphs: Bright green to orange-red when young, darkening with age. Long legs and antennae.
• Damage: CBB appears to target flowers. Symptoms seem worst at bud emergence.

Management notes

• Monitoring: Regular close inspection of buds and racemes is essential as CBB are difficult to spot.
• Chemical control: No products currently registered but some spotting bug insecticides may offer incidental control.
• Next steps: Discuss control strategies with your pest management advisor.

AMS urges all growers to check orchards now for Citrus Blossom Bug activity, particularly during bud emergence. If you suspect or confirm damage:

✔ Report any observation to your pest scouts.

✔ Pest scouts are being asked to document cases of CBB to help build industry-wide knowledge. Photo credit: Eddy Dunn Photo credit: Rohan Orford

Photo credit: Eddy Dunn 

Photo credit: Rohan Orford