What is a scale insect
During the maintenance of garden green plants, scale insects can be called "invisible killers." This tiny pest measuring only 0.5-5 mm can cause luxuriant plants to wither and wither in just a few weeks. This article will use three sets of live photo guides to deeply analyze the characteristics and coping strategies of this common plant pest. 1. Analysis of the ecological characteristics of scale insects 1.1 Species map of scale insects Among the more than 600 species of scale insects found in my country, the six most seriously harmful species constitute the focus of control: the mulberry white shield scale prefers fruit trees, and the water wood shield scale is permanent in landscape trees. The round shield scale is mostly found in bushes. The Korean hairball scale prefers temperate plants. The white ash scale is active in subtropical areas. The white shield scale is active in subtropical areas. The white shield scale coyoi scale has a wide host nature. Various scale insects absorb plant juice through piercing and sucking mouthparts, causing typical symptoms such as chlorosis of leaves and glue flowing from branches and branches. 1.2 The development cycle of pests from egg to adult takes about 15-30 days, and can reproduce 3-6 generations a year. Overwintering nymph often hide in gaps in the bark and reproduce rapidly when the spring temperature rises. The peak period of the second generation of nymph (June to August) is a key window period for prevention and control. 2. Decoding the transmission route of scale insects 2.1 Risk of human exposure Although scale insects have weak mobility (average daily movement distance <10cm), the wind transmission range can reach 200 meters. Human contact mainly occurs during garden operations. The insect may adhere to clothing, but it will not parasitize the human body. It is recommended to change clothes in time after outdoor operation and wash them with hot water above 50℃ to effectively remove them. 2.2 Cross-regional transmission mechanism Seedling transportation is the main way of cross-regional transmission, and the migration of insect-carrying plants can cause the spread of pests. When introducing new plants, isolation observation should be carried out for 2 weeks, focusing on inspecting hidden parts such as leaf backs and tender shoots. 3. Three-dimensional control plan 3.1 Physical control technology Use a hard brush to physically remove overwintering insects in winter, and use a stone sulfur mixture to coat white (lime: sulfur: water ratio 1:10:40). In summer, yellow sticky insect boards are set up and hung every 5 square meters, which can kill more than 30% of adults. 3.2 The chemical control strategy recommends the use of systemic inhalation agent Jiebi Zhi (25% bufezin wettable powder), diluted at a ratio of 1:800, and sprayed mainly on the branches and branches. The insecticidal rate reached 95% 48 hours after application, and repeated application at 7 days intervals could block egg hatching. 3.3 The biological control system introduces Australian ladybugs (5-8 per plant) or scale wasps (2,000 - 3,000 per mu) to establish an ecological prevention and control barrier. Combined with planting insect repellent plants such as mint and rosemary, it can reduce insect population density by 30%.
For the control of scale insects, it is recommended to adopt the strategy of "prevention first, comprehensive control". Regularly use a magnifying glass to check the hidden parts of the plant, and immediately treat a single insect body locally if it is found. By improving ventilation conditions (keeping plant spacing>80cm) and increasing the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers (N:P:K=1:2:2), the plant's own insect resistance can be improved by more than 40%. Remember that continuous monitoring and early intervention are key to controlling the spread of pests.