Pseudaulacaspis pentaona

Description

White peach scale is an important economic pest to commercial peach trees and residential woody ornamentals. Potential for damage caused by this armored scale can be devastating. Mature and crawler stage scales will infest the bark, foliage, and fruit of their host plant. Adult female scales are immobile on the host plant with an armored, dull white and yellow shell. Adult males are short lived with narrow white to yellow shells. In Pennsylvania there are two generations per year.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

White peach scale feeds on trees and shrubs by removing fluids from stems and foliage. Damage appears on foliage as a yellow stippling or spotting. If infestation is severe, defoliation occurs. Continued infestation and defoliation will cause plant death.

Treatment

Frequent scouting is effective is detecting White peach scale before an outbreak occurs. Proper timing of treatments can be applied to control immature scale crawlers. Treatment of adult peach scale is less effective due to the female's armored shells. Pruning heavily affected branches that have died will reduce infestation spread.

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

• Prunus spp. (Cherry Trees)
• Syringa (Lilac Trees)
• Ilex spp. (Holly)
• Prunus spp. (Cherry Laurel)