(2016a). Spread and management of Eriococcus lagerstromiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) on crapemyrtle. Heavy infestations of crapemyrtle bark scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, stems and bark of the tree. Bark scales are in a different scale insect family (Eriococcidae) than soft scales (Coccidae), and they look very similar to mealybugs. First detected in north-central Texas in … The crapemyrtle bark scale is native to Asia, and had previously been reported from China, Japan, and Korea. The crapemyrtle on the left was treated to control crapemyrtle bark scale. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as “honeydew” (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). These bark scales produce copious amounts of honeydew, the sugary waste the scale produces as it feeds on the plant’s phloem. (2014). Eggs hatch into tiny pink crawlers, and the older nymphs are pink, gray, or brown. This first life stage (1st instar) is mobile and is the only stage that can disperse (via wind or animal transport). Prune, then spray with the bifenthrin and horticultural oil mix. The CMBS infestations appear as white or gray, waxy crustations on stems, large twigs, and trunks, but rarely on foliage. Crapemyrtle bark scale: a pretty plant, an invasive pest, and a plan to protect pollinators. Entomological Society of America. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale National Research Team Website. Aphids are small insect pests that feed on new tender growth on the ends of branches. Crape myrtle bark scale is a felt scale related to azalea bark scale and oak eriococcin scale. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates from HGIC. Eggs hatch into tiny pink crawlers, and the older The soil systemic insecticides may have a minor harmful effect on pollinating insects that feed on the pollen and nectar, but this should be much less of an impact than spraying a plant in bloom, which would likely kill pollinating insects. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS), like its host, originated in Asia. Use pesticides only according to the directions on the label. for Control of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Cooperator – Gregg County - Longview, Texas Author - Randy Reeves* and Erfan Vafaie** Year - 2016 Gregg County Summary: In the genus Acanthaacoccus, the scale is a type of felt or bark scale. Crapemyrtle bark scale: A new exotic pest. Poster. This will also allow for better spray coverage. Gu et al. The eggs remain protected within the white colored ovisacs until the crawlers (immatures) hatch and disperse onto the branches. Mulch around the plant area to cover the stump. The crapemyrtle bark scale is an invasive insect pest that was first reported in the United States in 2004. Insecticide applications will not remove white spots or sooty mold, but prevent future scale population growth. Minor pruning of the crape myrtle will reduce some height and remove flowers present to lessen the impact of the bifenthrin insecticide spray on pollinators. Short distance spread likely occurs via wind or by hitchhiking on … (2016b). Photo by Erfan Vafaie. (, Bifenthrin (variable results, as a bark spray). Vafaie et al. Each female lays about 60 to 250 eggs, which may over-winter within their ovisacs, and then hatch during mid- to late April to May. Th… Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale (let’s call it CMBS) is a small insect that appears as a white or gray felt-like encrustation. Immature crapemyrtle bark scale are hard to see with the naked eye, but adult scale covers and egg sacs are frequently visible on the upper branches and trunk of the tree. 2016a), crapemyrtle bark scale may be found on additional plant families. Wang et al. Photo by Erfan K. Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. in the USA. Crapemyrtle bark scale: a pretty plant, an invasive pest, and a plan to protect pollinators. Once cut, the stumps will send up sprouts very quickly. This can make for a significant safety issue for the individual spraying the plants for insect pest control, while attempting to get good coverage of a tall crape myrtle. Several natural enemies have been found in the landscape to provide suppression of crapemyrtle bark scale. Remove and replace with a new piece of tape weekly, and check tapes for presence of crawlers (see images below). When crushed, these scales exude pink “blood”-like liquid. This honeydew turns in to a black sooty mold. Samples were collected by Sarah Watts, Extension Agriculture Technician, and confirmed at the NC State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic by Dr. Matt Bertone, Extension Associate. The insect was first noted in McKinney, Texas (self-designated as America’s “crapemyrtle city”), in 2005 and had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by … Vafaie et al. When crushed, these scales exude pink liquid which apparently is their blood. Helene Dougherty, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Bugwood.org, Crapemyrtle branches can become completely covered with crapemyrtle bark scale.Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas CES, Bugwood.org. In its native range, it has been reported on plants from 16 different genera and 13 families, most notable persimmon and pomegranate. StopCMBS.com, Jiang, N.; Xu, H. (1998) Observation on Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana. You may be first alerted of the presence of the black sooty mold which has deve… It now appears that this species of scale was introduced to the U.S. from China. Thanks to its sugary excrement, it turns crapemyrtles with beautiful honey-colored trunks into black sticks with sticky … A group of entomologists, horticulturalists, and economists around the country have teamed together to tackle this pest. A&M has identified this pest as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, and suspects that it was brought into the U.S. on a crape myrtle plant. Promptly burn the removed trunk and limbs, or cut up and place in garbage bags for trash pickup. Follow the label directions on bifenthrin products for rate per gallon. Adult females are felt-like white or gray encrustations that stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. Joey Williamson, PhD, HGIC Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson University. If the result is the presence of a reddish body fluid of the scales, they are still alive. ), but also more recently confirmed on American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana.). Figure from Wang et al. Gu et al. Photo by Sarah Watts. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer. Poster. Crape myrtle bark scale is relatively easy to iden- tify. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstromiae (Kuwana), was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. Bark and systemic insecticidal control of Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstromiae (crapemyrtle bark scale) on landscape crapemyrtles, 2016. Bark scale originates from China and was brought to the U.S. in 2010. They especially congregate in branch crotches and at pruning sites. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Crapemyrtle Bark Scale- CMBS CMBS is a relatively new and invasive pest that was introduced from Asia and first identified in Dallas, TX several years ago. Follow all directions, precautions and restrictions that are listed. It has been verified in all areas of both the City of Huntsville and Madison County. Crape myrtle bark scale is quite easy to detect on a tree if you have a heavy infestation. (2015). The bark spray applications should ideally be made when crawlers are out and exposed; typically near mid-April and beginning of May. Mengmeng Gu, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org. Now it has been discovered in North Carolina and Virginia, and the distant spread of this pest has likely been through the movement of plant material. In its native range, it has been reported on plants from 16 different genera and 13 families, most notable persimmon and pomegranate. Adult females are felt-like white or gray encrustations that stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. Photo credit: Rick Grantham, Oklahoma State University; and … Once the mated females produce their ovisacs (egg-containing capsules) and lay eggs, they die. Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale is a problem that all Crepe Myrtle are likely to get, and although the insect may not kill the plant, the sticky bug and the black mold are an ugly nuisance. Select three sprouts that are equally spaced around the cut stump. CMBS, first identified in Texas in 2004, has now spread to at least 12 additional states including Alabama. Miller et al. This honeydew, in turn, will eventually turn black as it is colonized by a concoction of fungi, called sooty mold. CMBS might be found anywhere on crepe myrtles bark, and often appears near pruning sites and branch crotches of more mature wood. Or felt scale related to azalea bark scale is a new piece of tape weekly, and.. 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After hatching, the scale emerging from the Far East on stems, large twigs, and it has made... Twigs, and the appearance of CMBS brown and move around the cut stump to ensure that are. Eggs in their lifetime ( Jiang et al, American beautyberry ( Callicarpa americana. ) produce! Exclusively on the left was treated to control crapemyrtle bark scale has spread... Should ideally be made when crawlers are out and exposed ; typically near mid-April and beginning of may of.
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