Scale insect on figs: causes, symptoms, prevention

The scale insect on figs is considered a pest that affects the quality and quantity of production. In this article from the “WORLD OF PLANTS” website, we review the symptoms of infection, how to prevent it, and appropriate control methods.

Identification of the scale insect on figs

Scientific name: Ceroplastes rusci
Type of disease and family of disease: The scale insect is an insect disease belonging to the family Coccidae.

Symptoms of scale insect on figs

• White or brown spots on leaves and branches: Scale insects appear as small scales covering the affected parts.
• Honeydew secretions: The scale insect secretes a sticky, honey-like substance that collects on leaves and twigs.
• Appearance of black mold: Fungi grow on honeydew secretions, leading to the appearance of black mold.
• Poor growth: The disease affects the vigor of growth and productivity.

Causes of scale insect on figs

• Scale insect: The disease is caused by trees being infected with the scale insect Ceroplastes rusci.
• Infection from infected trees: The insect is transmitted from infected trees to healthy trees by wind or agricultural tools.

Suitable conditions for the spread of scale insect on figs

• High temperature and high humidity: Warm and humid conditions promote the spread of the scale insect.
• Weak trees: Weak and stressed trees are more susceptible to infection.

The development cycle of the scale insect on fig

• Maturity: Females lay eggs on plant parts.
• Larvae: The larvae hatch and begin feeding on plant sap.
• Maturity: The larvae turn into mature scale insects that reproduce and spread the disease.

Pictures of scale insects on figs

Losses of scale insect spread on figs

• Productivity deterioration: The spread of disease significantly reduces productivity.
• Increased agricultural costs: Controlling the disease requires additional costs.

Strategy for controlling the scale insect on figs

• pesticide: Use specialized insecticides such as Imidacloprid And Buprofezin.
• Mineral oils: Use mineral oil to spray trees and get rid of scale insects.

Preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of scale insect on figs

• Taking care of tree health: Keeping trees strong and healthy reduces the possibility of infection.
• Removal of affected parts: Cutting infected parts of trees to reduce the spread of the insect.

Recommendations for organic and chemical control of the scale insect on figs

• Organic control: Using agricultural soap and plant extracts as natural pesticides.
• Chemical control: Use chemical insecticides according to recommended guidelines.

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References

• Ceroplastes rusci (L.) on leaves and fruits of Ficus carica. – researchgate
• Ceroplastes rusci – ,wikipedia
  Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera – University of Florida
• Fig wax scale, Ceroplastes rusci an emerging pest of Dalbergia sissoo and its parasitisation in India – researchgate
• Ceroplastes rusci – eppo
• New host plant records of Fig Wax Scale Ceroplastes rusci (Linnaeus, 1758) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) from India – threatenedtaxa