Plant Doctor: Pesky Lemon-Peelers

Q: CAN you please help identify what is eating the skin off the fruit of my 30-yearold ‘Meyer’ lemon tree? Two or three fruit on the same stem are often affected. I don’t think it is possums as none have been seen around here. My guess is snails. Whatever it is, they like peel and don’t touch the flesh. C Owens, Auckland

A: THERE are a variety of animals that will eat citrus fruit, but according to the experts I’ve checked with, possums are the most likely. Birds, like rosellas, will eat both skin and flesh. Snails would leave a silvery slime trail and wouldn’t eat the large amounts your picture shows. Rats are also a possibility but you’d probably be able to spot their tell tale small teeth marks. The possums are probably living in large, old trees in your neighbourhood, hiding by day and at night venturing forth to feast on whatever is in season in the local gardens.