Can Someone Identify The Bugs On My Lime Tree, Why Same Branches Are Turning Blackish/dark Brown, And A Green Stem Growing From

Question

the bark? ***Please refer to attached pictures before answering***

1) I always notice 2 bugs, one that resembles a ladybug (but it is black with white spots and a pastel pink head) and the others (which there are a lot of) that resemble ants. Are they ok for the lime tree/cause no harm?

2) Some branches of the approx. 1.25 yr-old lime tree are almost black/dark brown…is that normal?

3) There is this green stem growing directly next to/from the sapling’s trunk (which now has a bark layer) is that just a new part of the trunk growing or….?

***Pictures are included below***

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Answer 1

This is going to be long winded...

When you see a planted citrus tree, and notice shoots coming from the root area, or below the graft point, you can be certain that it is not the tree that you want to grow. It is the wild rootstock. This will overtake and, eventually, kill the top of the tree (the part that bears the fruit that you want).

Any of those strange branches that originate from below the main three at the split need to be cut off.

Keep the rootstock from shooting up and the top will survive just fine. Let it take over, and it will become the new tree, and will not likely fruit.

The insects and fungal damage are taking advantage of the rootstock trying to come back. You can treat with a fungicide. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm

These articles will offer more information on keeping sucker limbs at bay: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-tree-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/can-grafted-trees-revert-to-their-root-stock.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-sucker-removal-and-tree-sucker-control.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/suckers-on-lemon-trees.htm