Symptoms
Armored or soft scales on stems, branches, and leaves. Yellowing and stunted growth. Sticky honeydew leading to sooty mold. Branch dieback in heavy infestations. Small brown or white disc-shaped insects attached to plant surfaces.
Prevention
Inspect planting material before introduction. Avoid excessive nitrogen which promotes susceptible soft growth. Prune infested branches. Encourage natural predators (ladybirds, parasitic wasps).
Treatment
Organic
Scrub scale with soapy water or a soft brush. Apply horticultural oil to smother scales. Release Aphytis melinus parasitoid wasps. Spray insecticidal soap.
Chemical (last resort)
Apply white oil or malathion during crawler (young mobile stage) emergence. Systemic insecticides have limited effect on armored scales. Repeat application as needed.
Affects 1 crop
Sources
MARDI Fruit Pest Guide; DOA Extension Bulletin