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Growers who incorporate an integrated pest management approach are more likely to use beneficial control. Aphytis is selec- tively used, mainly in the organic and IPM- friendly urban areas. In a desert setting such as the Coachella Valley, the Aphytis doesn’t work as well be- cause of the wind, heat and dust. The ben- eficial insects work better in coastal regions where temperatures are moderate and there are fewer generations of red scale. The male is a microscopic bug that flies in the canopies to mate with the females. Pheromone disruption is another option that is registered for organic growers. Pheromone disruptors are placed in the tree, and they bombard the grove with the red scale pheromone that confuses males so they are less able to find females for mating. Resistance is always a concern, but there are at least three to five effective materials available for growers to rotate and reduce the risk of building resistance.
The female red scale lives on the internal wood of the citrus tree. During the April to October growing season, it produces a generation of crawlers. The eggs hatch, the crawlers move onto the new fruit and cause blemishes. Red scale can cover the fruit, stems and leaves. If heavily infested, the leaves will defoliate, leaving woody stems covered in scale. This can result in sunburn and re- duced production. Red scale is more pronounced on lem- ons because of the contrast between the yellow color of the fruit and the insect. Scale damage results in a reduced pack- out of fruit for the fresh market. Damaged fruit then goes to processing for juice or other byproducts. There are conventional, organic and bio- logical treatments for red scale. They include insect-growth regulators, organic-based oil treatments that suffocate the pest and a parasitic wasp, Aphytis melinus, that will reduce populations over time.
PEST CONTROL ADVISOR
What are ways to control red scale in citrus trees?
Chris Boisseranc Southwest Ag Consulting, Redlands
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10 Ag Alert July 17, 2024
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