13. Citrus scale: Aonidiella aurantii (Diaspididae: Hemiptera)

Scale insects feed on plant juice and devitalize the plants; they inject a toxic substance into the plant sap. Yellow spots appear at the point of feeding and in severe cases all the leaves turn pale. Scales are 2 mm in diameter with a distinct central exuviae.

Management

• Conserve natural enemies viz., Chilocorus nigritus and Scymnus sp
• Spray 3.0 L dimethoate 30 EC or 1.5  L  monocrotophos 36 SL or 2.5 L  methyl demeton 25 EC or 250 ml of imidacloprid 200 SL in 1500-2000 L of water per ha during March and again in september.