In this section:
Frosted Plum Scale
Eulecanium pruinosum
Affected
Plums and apricots, sometimes peaches and nectarines.
Description
This pest harbours itself over winter within a brown convex scale which develops a frosted appearance due to a white powdery secretion. Lifting the scales in late spring-early summer will reveal masses of white eggs. Light yellow coloured crawlers having a flattened oval shape emerge and feed on the underside of leaves over the summer. In autumn the young scale which have darkened in colour migrate back to twigs.
Where and when to look
Frosted scale is most easily detected on the undersides of twigs in winter and spring.
Damage
The crawlers and young scale feed on the underside of leaves over summer. They produce sticky secretions which adhere to the leaves and promote black sooty mould growth.
Control
Similar to San Jose scale. Best results achieved from late dormant sprays.
