Dates
Palm date scale is a sap-sucking insect of palms that tends to feed and form colonies along palm fronds (leaves). Adults have several millimeter long, oval bodies that are covered with a waxy layer which gives them a grayish-white color. Once settled, females protect and cover their eggs, thus remain mostly immobile. The palm date scale is considered to be a minor pest of low agricultural significance. In very high infestation levels, the palm date scale can cause tissue necrosis on young palm trees that are several years old.
Monitor: It’s easier and more cost effective to overcome palm date scale during the initial stage of infestation. Make it a routine to monitor the field regularly and search plants for palm date scale presence.
The following insecticides are used in one or more parts of the world: buprofezin, thiamethoxam, fipronil, and pyriproxyfen.
Mineral oil can be applied.
*Names marked in red are considered to be highly poisonous to beneficial insects.
*Names marked in green are considered to be organic and IPM (integrated pest management) compatible.