What to do about the white magnolia scale insect
Today's focus is on introducing how to deal with the white magnolia scale insect and the cultivation knowledge of preventing the scale insect infestation in white magnolias, as follows:
White magnolia generally refers to the plant known as white magnolia in the magnolia family. Also known as the缅甸桂花 (Burma桂花) and white玉兰 (white玉兰), it is a famous ornamental tree commonly found in gardens and streets. Scale insects mainly damage the branches and leaves of white magnolias, with common pests including the red wax scale, cottony cushion scale, Japanese wax scale, and糠片蚧 (flour scale). Let me tell you about the measures to take when white magnolias are infested with scale insects.
One, Physical Pest Control
If the pest infestation is light, the scale insects on the leaves can be removed by hand. Scale insects are usually easy to spot due to their size and color. If the plant is not too tall and the canopy is not too large, the pests can be scraped off with a wooden or bamboo chip.
Two, Chemical Pest Control
1. General Method
Since the adult scale insects have a hard shell, it is best to use insecticides during the nymph hatching period. You can use a 1000 to 1500 times diluted solution of "Kuangsha Scale" during the nymph hatching period. For adult insects, the concentration should be 800 to 1000 times. To increase the effectiveness of the insecticide, a small amount of diesel oil can be added to the "Kuangsha Scale" solution, with a ratio of 10:1. When applying the insecticide spray, make sure it is thorough and even.
2. Red Wax Scale
The red wax scale has a dark red wax shell on its back. It feeds on the leaves and branches of the plant, and the excrement can cause sooty mold. In severe cases, it can lead to a large number of yellow leaves and defoliation, and even plant death.
From May to June every year, the hatching is vigorous, and a spray with a solution of 25% diammonium phosphate emulsion should be applied every 5 to 7 days.
3. Cottony Cushion Scale
The cottony cushion scale damages the new shoots and tender leaves of white magnolias. In the early nymph hatching stage, a spray with a 40% omethoate emulsion or a solution of laundry detergent can be used for control, once every 15 days, for 3 or 4 times.
4. Japanese Wax Scale
The Japanese wax scale is highly harmful in East and North China. It is white or white with a grayish tint. From June to July, a large number of nymphs hatch, and it is necessary to spray with insecticides in a timely manner.
Three, Biological Control
Biological control can be achieved by using the natural enemies of scale insects, such as the red ladybird and the Australian ladybird, which can be introduced to control the pests.
Four, Pruning Management
Pruning should be done in winter and early spring to remove diseased and weak branches, especially those infested by overwintering insects.
The above is the specific content on how to deal with the white magnolia scale insect and the prevention methods for the scale insect infestation in white magnolias, for everyone's reference and operation.