My orange tree is just starting to bud and there is something on the leaves. I have attached a pictures. What can I treat it with that won't make the buds drop off. Thanks
'tis a leaf miner problem. There really is nothing for you to do except sit around and say" aw, shucks". The tiny little fly responsible lays his(her)its egg on the very edge of the leaf. Once hatched, the small larva parts the top and bottom of the leaf and moves in. Once in, it begins to eat its way to maturity. Back and forth and around, the larva just munches a track inside the leaf. The critter is protected by the top and bottom leaf surfaces so spraying it is useless and less than 'effective'. Certainly, a systemic can and will do it in, but that systemic will also BE IN THE FRUIT. A real 'no-no'. Leaf miner is unsightly but never a problem to the fruit. Best seen in your left picture, the bottom right edge of the leaf appears rolled. In fact, it is. The mature larva will egress on the edge of the leaf, curl the leaf edge as a 'boudoir', pupate, then fly away as a hatched new adult seeking a mate and a new egg laying opportunity.
there is one systemic that is perfectly safe to use on edible fruits and veggies, its called Bonide. I buy it from a local garden store, and it says on the package that its non toxic to humans. I'd say use that.
