Parthenolecanium corni

Description

Lecanium scale is a common scale that affects many ornamental and fruit trees. Although there is only one generation each year, Lecanium scale creates extensive damage though feeding and production of honeydew. Honeydew is a sugary exudate which attracts bees and wasps.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

Damage appears on foliage as yellow stippling, spotting and wilt. Honeydew, a sugary substance secreted by scale, becomes black sooty mold, which causes additional damage. The presence of honeydew and black sooty mold affects the plant's ability to produce food by photosynthesis.

Treatment

Frequent scouting is needed to detect Lecanium Scale before an outbreak occurs. Proper timing and treatments control adult and immature scale crawlers. Lecanium Scale is a soft-bodied scale. Treatments to soft-bodied scales are effective.

Management

Managing tree stress is a crucial component of insect management. Trees can remain healthier and aesthetically pleasing longer by properly managing water, avoiding compaction and grade changes, and controlling disease. Fertilization improves tree vigor.

Affected Species

• Wide variety of ornamental trees and shrubbery