How to Manage Pests

UC Pest Management Guidelines

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEST

Italian pear scale covering is circular, shiny light gray, and has a brown exuvia slightly off center. The body under the scale covering is dark reddish purple. The scale is often found under moss and lichen on old plum trees; it is usually not a problem.

DAMAGE

This scale inflicts its sucking damage on the wood of the tree resulting in reduced tree vigor.

MANAGEMENT

Light populations of Italian pear scale do not harm trees; damaging infestations are rare in California.

Organically Acceptable Methods
Bordeaux treatments, oil sprays, or oil and lime sprays used during the dormant season on organically certified produce.

Treatment Decisions
Insecticide and oil sprays often have little effect on this scale because a large number of them overwinter in the adult stage and are concealed in the tree's moss and lichens. If treatment is necessary, treat during the dormant and delayed dormant period for most effective control. Registered copper and lime sulfur sprays directed at moss and lichens on the tree bark will aid in control of this scale.

Common name		Amount to Use**
(trade name)		(conc.)	(dilute)
The following materials are listed in order of usefulness in an IPM program, taking into account efficacy, impact on natural enemies and honey bees, and impact of the timing on beneficials. When choosing a pesticide, also consider information relating to environmental impact.
A.	BORDEAUX#
	10-10-100 or	Label rates
	FIXED COPPER#
	MODE OF ACTION: A multi-site contact (Group M)1 inorganic fungicide.
	COMMENTS: These materials control the growth of lichens, which provide protection to the scale. The removal of the lichens will aid in the control of the scale. This is a slow procedure requiring 1 or more years to be effective. Although the lichens are killed quickly, considerable weathering must occur before they are removed. Thorough coverage including trunks and limbs is essential. Not all copper compounds are approved for use in organic production; be sure to check individual products.
B.	DORMANT OIL such as:
	Dormant FLOWABLE Emulsion	6 gal	1.5 gal
	NARROW RANGE OIL#	4 gal	1 gal
	MODE OF ACTION: Contact including smothering and barrier effects.
	COMMENTS: Oil used alone will only provide partial control. Oil applications at this time may cause some young shoots to burn or dieback, especially in years when trees are water-stressed, or have recently been subjected to freezing temperatures or to dry winds. Dormant flowable emulsion is less likely to cause burn. Some varieties, especially those that are weak growers or low in vigor because of soil or other location-related issues, can be especially sensitive to oil. Not all oil products are organically acceptable; be sure to check individual products.
	**  For dilute applications, rate is per 100 gal water to be applied in 300-500 gal water/acre, according to label; for concentrate applications, use 80-100 gal water/acre, or lower if the label allows. # Acceptable for use on organically grown produce. 1 Group numbers are assigned by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) according to different modes of actions. Fungicides with a different group number are suitable to alternate in a resistance management program. For more information, see http://www.frac.info/.

PUBLICATION

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Plum
UC ANR Publication 3462
Insects and Mites
W. J. Bentley, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
K. R. Day, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare County
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insects and mites section:
R. E. Rice, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier

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