Tropical Research And Education Center

Tropical Entomology - Avocado Scales

Coconut Scale, Aspidiotus distructor (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Florida Red Scale, Chrysomphalus aonidu (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Coccus spp (Hemiptera:Coccoidae)

Description

Scale insects can be of two types, armored scales or soft scales. Armored scales are protected by a distinct, hard, separable shell. Soft scales have a delicate body not protected by a shell and often produce honeydew. Armored scales feed on plant juices. Feeding sites are usually associated with discolorations, depressions and other host tissue distortions. Several kinds of scales, including coconut, Florida red scale, Dictyospermum, and Floridawax may infest avocado.

Damage

Part of plant damaged: Trunk, branches, and leaves

Management
Aspidiotus destructor an armored scale, infesting avocado leaves

Check for scales and, if needed, apply control measures during May, June or July.
- Peña, J. E., Sundhari, S., Hunsberger, A., Duncan, R., Schaffer, B. 1998. Monitoring, damage, natural enemies and control of avocado lace bug, Pseudacysta perseae (Hemiptera: Tingidae). Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 111: 330-334.
CHEMICAL CONTROL
- Updated list of insecticides labeled for Florida avocado production