Scale Insects
Superfamily: Coccoidea
Affected Plants:
Deciduous fruit trees, Citrus trees, Mango, Avocado, Grapes, Roses, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Palms, Cacti, SucculentsDamage Type:
Sucking sapPhysical Characteristics:
Small, non-mobile, oval; covered with a protective waxy or hard shell; sap-sucking pests.Control Method:
Oleum, ChlorpyrifosEnvironmental Impact:
Chlorpyrifos has high environmental impactOrganic/Natural Control:
Horticultural oil, ladybugsAbout this pest
Scale insects, those armoured menaces lurking on South African foliage, can pose a serious threat to a wide variety of plants. Let’s explore their diverse world to understand their characteristics, why they become pests, and how to keep your greenery safe:
Physical Characteristics:
- Size: Varies greatly across species, ranging from barely visible to several millimetres in length.
- Body: Covered by a hard, protective scale (armoured scales) or a waxy or cottony layer (soft scales).
- Shape: Round, oval, elongated, or even bizarre depending on the species.
- Movement: Mostly immobile, often clinging tightly to plant stems and leaves.
Common South African Names:
- Wollige skildluise (Afrikaans) – Wooly scale insects (soft scales)
Why are Scale Insects Pests?
- Plant sap feeders: They pierce leaves and stems with their mouthparts, sucking nutritious sap and weakening the plant.
- Reduced photosynthesis: Their feeding can disrupt plant growth and energy production, leading to stunted leaves, discolouration, and potential die-offs.
- Honeydew producers: Some species excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, attracting ants and promoting fungal growth like sooty mould.
- Wide range of hosts: Attack a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals, and even houseplants.
Combatting Scale Insects:
Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for the presence of scales, their hard shells, or sticky honeydew.
Natural methods:
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- Encourage natural predators: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on scale insects.
- Neem oil spray: Disrupts their feeding and development.
- Insecticidal soap spray: Can kill scale insects on contact, but reapplication might be needed.
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Cultural practices:
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- Pruning: Remove heavily infested plant parts to reduce pest numbers.
- Water management: Avoid overwatering, as moist conditions favour scale populations.
- Interplanting: Certain companion plants might repel scale insects with their scent.
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Chemical control: Use registered insecticides specifically targeting scale insects as a last resort due to environmental impact and potential harm to beneficial insects.
Remember:
- Early detection and intervention are crucial to prevent significant damage from scale insects.
- Combine multiple control methods for a sustainable approach, prioritizing natural and organic strategies whenever possible.
- Identify the specific scale species affecting your plants for targeted control measures.
By understanding the diverse world of scale insects and taking proactive steps, you can protect your South African plants from these armoured invaders and keep your garden thriving.
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