Citrus Curly Leaf

Hi,

I am located in Carmel Valley, CA and am seeing quite a bit of curly leaf occuring on various young citrus trees. I know that the first thing to look for is aphid infestation or even leaf miners but neither seems to be the case here.

The trees infected are all newly plated trees. I am wondering if I am seeing something from the Tulare County Growers that came along for the ride that I have yet to catch in the act. I am also seeing a fair amout of leaves being chewed on as well, but its very random and nowhere near what I would consider infestation.

Any ideas as to what I should be looking for here?

Thanks in advance!

Sorry, forgot the photos. (Click to enlarge):


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I'm no expert, but I thought leaves curl to protect themselves from high temperatures as well.

Carmel Valley has been experiencing below average temperatures as of late. (It's coastal, so its been very cool.)

I don't think this is an issue regarding temperature.

The new plants wre recently composted. Could this be a by-product of pH, rather high acidity?

Citrus leaves curl in response to leaf miners. Look very carefully at the leaves to see if you can see the trails. I don't think the compost has anything to do with it except it could have harbored the leaf miner larvae. I think a zinc deficiency can cause the leaves to curl but is highly unlikely. Heres a link with a picture on citrus leaf miner.

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Andi

Thanks for the reply GD, but leaf miners were my first thought too. There is no evidence of infestation, though there is some random nibbling taking place (culprit unknown.)

I wil look again, but its sure not apparent if it is leaf miners.

How much water has it gotten? Too much can cause it.

Well the plants ARE being established this year and I have been watering them to off-set a few very hot days this past two weeks. So you may have a point there. Still this seems to be going on for a while (several months.)

I am getting some randon nibbling too though I cannot see the pest (grasshoppers possibly.)

I try and water bi-weekly but may want to back off that plan a bit. I'll let you know if things change.

Thanks for your suggestion!