Diaspidiotus perniciosus
Crop: Apple
Why is it a problem? When feeding on apples this scale insect leaves red spots, and in severe cases distorts the fruit. This affects sale prices, especially for export. Complete coverage on twigs and branches can lead to dieback of affected parts and ultimately the decline of the tree. Attacks can cause defoliation of the tree within 2-3 years. However, this pest can be managed relatively easily without the use of pesticides.
Where and when is it a problem? It can be an important, localised pest, in all major apple growing regions. Outbreaks are often induced by indiscriminate use of pesticides. It was much more common prior to the widespread use of tree spray oil (TSO).
IDENTIFICATION
Tiny, circular, grayish scales are only just visible to the unaided eye. They are protected by a thick, waxy, protective scale (a grey, conical “shell”), 1-2 mm in diameter.
SYMPTOMS
The red halo-like spots surrounding feeding sites on the fruit surface make them easily recognizable in the field, especially on green or yellowish parts of the fruit. In severe cases, fruits become severely misshapen. Scales can cover twigs and branches but need careful observation to be seen as they are not as conspicuous as on fruit. However, they can result in dieback of the affected parts and ultimately cause the decline of the tree.
Confusion with other pests: Pest symptoms cannot be confused with those caused by other pests.
BIOLOGY
Lifecycle: Adult females lay eggs within their shells. During spring, young crawlers emerge and find new locations to settle and construct their own shells, initially on leaves and fruits and ultimately on twigs. Mature nymphs, pupae, and adult females are all permanently fixed to the plant tissue by the stylet (beak) embedded in the host vascular system. In cooler regions, there is only one generation per year, but several generations are possible in warmer climates. Young nymphs may overwinter in cracks in the bark.
Dispersal: Only the first few instars are mobile and can be dispersed naturally from tree to tree by wind. They can also be easily moved by people. Careful orchard hygiene is therefore needed to prevent the spread of the pest into and through the orchard.
When can damage be expected? Pest populations can continue to build up through the years if left unmanaged.
Hosts: The San Jose scale has a wide host range and can affect many fruit crops. However, in Bhutan, it is only known as an apple pest.
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
This pest can become a serious problem if allowed to build up and spread through an orchard. Ongoing monitoring and management are needed to prevent this from occurring.
Monitoring
Monitoring through the growing season is necessary to determine whether a winter treatment of TSO is necessary, and also to identify any hot spots within the orchard where targeted management may be necessary. Scales on twigs and branches need to be carefully observed, as they are not as conspicuous as those on fruit.
Effect of variety
There are no known resistant varieties of this pest.
Non-chemical management
- Use only clean planting material as the scale insect is a poor disperser.
- Badly infested twigs or branches should be pruned or burnt.
- The most effective control is applying Tree Spray Oil (TSO) in winter (late February) when the pest is overwintering in the bark. TSO acts on insects by enveloping them with a thin film of oil, which disrupts their respiration and kills them by suffocation.
- Never spray when there are leaves on the tree, or when green buds are starting to emerge, as that will cause phytotoxicity. Spray every second year (or adjust following monitoring). TSO (30 ml per 1 litre of water or 1 litre per 35 litres) should be sprayed thoroughly to run-off. A good coverage to all twigs, branches and trunk is essential, making sure that the spray penetrates the cracks. Application of TSO may also benefit the control of mites and woolly aphids.
Chemical management
Pesticides are not necessary and should not be used. The protective shell of the scale can make control difficult. Also, pesticides will kill beneficial insects that are helping to control pest populations, which can make pest problems worse.
Version: NPPC 2017. San Jose scale V1.0. Bhutan Pest Factsheet. www.PestsofBhutan.nppc.gov.bt. Date produced: 14 April 2017. Contact: nppcsemtokha@gmail.com
Image acknowledgements: NPPC.
