Facing increasing pressure to maximise fruit quality, reduce pesticide residues, and improve sustainability, Cyprus’s largest citrus producer has embraced Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The approach is delivering clear results for Cyprus Phassouri Plantations Co (CPPC), improving marketable yields and overall crop performance while reducing reliance on conventional chemical sprays.
Established in 1933, Phassouri manages 600ha of modern citrus orchards producing grapefruit, oranges, lemons, and mandarins for export markets including the UK, Italy, and Belgium. Older groves have been progressively replanted with newer, higher-performing varieties to improve fruit quality and productivity.
The company introduced IPM in 2022 through a 20ha pilot programme. Encouraged by the initial results, the programme has since been expanded to 82ha.
What is driving IPM in commercial citrus production?
“The initial drivers were increased pest pressure, reduced effectiveness of chemical solutions due to resistance, market demands for low, or zero, residues and sustainability,” says CPPC’s Chara Christodoulou. “At the same time, we aim to align production with our environmental objectives. All the time protecting our reputation for premium citrus.”
Key citrus pests: spider mites, rust mites and mealybugs
Spider mites, rust mites and mealybugs are the major pests of Cypriot citrus orchards. Mandora mandarins are especially vulnerable to spider and rust mites. Lemons and grapefruits can also suffer heavy spider mite damage, while mealybugs affect all citrus varieties. Severe pest infestations can rapidly damage fruit, impacting marketable yields.
Phassouri’s IPM strategy is built around preventative biological control programmes, supported by intensive crop monitoring.
For spider mites, the programme centres on predatory mites. Amblyseius andersoni is introduced early for long-term suppression, while also supporting rust mite control. Meanwhile, Phytoseiulus persimilis is used curatively in hotspots.
Mealybug control is based on Anagyrus vladimiri, supported by pheromone traps to optimise release timing. In addition, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is deployed where pressure increases or hotspots occur.
In parallel, continuous crop scouting and monitoring plays an important role. Detecting population changes early, it enables rapid intervention with biological or chemical corrective treatments. Helping to maintain effective pest control, it minimises unnecessary spray applications.
IPM in citrus reduces sprays and lowers fruit rejection
In Phassouri’s Mandora mandarins, rejected or damaged fruit has dropped from 60-70% to 30-40%. In lemons, rejection rates fell from around 50-70% to approximately 20%. Many orchards also saw chemical applications reduce by up to four sprays per season.
“Embracing IPM we are seeing clear step by step progress, especially in lemons,” says Chara. “We view IPM as an investment. As we optimise practices, we expect further gains in efficiency, cost control and competitiveness, while strengthening our position producing high-quality sustainable citrus.”
According to Evangelos Evangelou, of Lambrou Agro, IPM has historically been viewed as unrealistic in Cyprus. “High Mediterranean temperatures, strong pest pressure, and large-scale orchards made it a real challenge,” he says.
“The key shift was moving from routine spraying to monitoring, combining tools and introducing programmes of beneficial insects.”
“While challenging at first, the results speak for themselves. Better fruit quality, more targeted interventions and a more sustainable system. IPM is not just an alternative, it is the future of citrus production.”
Sustainable citrus production with IPM
“IPM success depends on adaptation, collaboration and local expertise,” says Spiros Kavouras of Biobest.
“Citrus IPM is complex – it’s an outdoor crop with multiple pests throughout the season. Through experience, we know every location needs a tailored approach adapted to local conditions, especially at the start.”
“With strong cooperation here between the grower, Lambrou Agro's technical team, and Biobest, we’ve shown IPM can be highly effective.
“As resistance pressures increase and market requirements tighten, IPM approaches are set to play a growing role in maintaining long-term competitiveness in citrus production.”
