crape myrtle scale oklahoma

Crapemyrtle bark scale is an exotic insect pest from Asia. One of the first signs of this insect is black sooty mold on the bark and leaves. Observations from McKinney, Texas suggest that Lagerstroemia fauriei and Lagerstroemia indica x Lagerstroemia fauriei hybrids also suffer high infestations (Gu et al. Department of Plant Industry (DPI) Sample Submission 2014, Layton 2015). Thousands of scales encrusting the bark will literally turn it white. Chemical control: Because crapemyrtle bark scale is not yet found in Florida, any discovered populations should be eradicated as soon as possible to slow further spread within the state. Under - magnif ication, adult females are pink and measure about 2 Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, also known as crape myrtle scale, is a small insect that infests crape myrtle trees.It was first seen in Dallas, Texas in 2004 and was thought to be brought in through illegal trade. Photograph by Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas, CES, Bugwood.org. If left to wait for biological control, the infestation may be allowed time to spread further. Dr. Mengmeng Gu at Texas A&M is currently conducting research on additional U.S. host plants. Look for injuries or pruning wounds on the trunk and branches, as scale infestations often start at these sites. Mechanical control: Prior to treatment of heavily infested plants, it can be helpful to wash the reachable branches with a mild soap solution and a soft scrubbing brush. Irish Green found and reported the first case of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale in Cleveland County August 2016 (confirmed by Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory at Oklahoma State University). Crapemyrtle is considered a low-maintenance tree and is enormously popular, especially in the urban landscape. Proceedings of the 2015 Annual Meeting of the International Plant Propagators’ Society. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS) Figure 12. Based on regional climates in the U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread. 2016) However, despite the predation by these and other lady beetle species, their control often comes too late in the season to prevent damage from the scales and sooty mold (Gu et al. 2015, Wang et al. As of spring 2018, crapemyrtle bark scale was reported in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. The crepe myrtles are among the most satisfactory of plants for the South: showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and (in many cases) brilliant fall color make them year-round garden performers. Although crapemyrtle bark scale has not yet been found on other hosts in North America, it has been reported feeding on a number of other species in Asia and Hungary (See http://scalenet.info for a full list). A few of these are economically or ecologically important and include pomegranate (Punica granatum), Korean boxwood (Buxus microphylla), Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium), and brambles (Rubus sp.). Photograph by Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas CES, Bugwood.org. So far, no cultivars of crapemyrtle are known to have high levels of resistance to the scale. Several species of lady beetle larvae feeding on an infestation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). The most effective of these seem to be twice-stabbed lady beetles, such as Chilocorus stigma and Chilocorus cacti (Cai et al. 2015. Prune For A Shrub Look Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), close-up of infestation. Integrated pest management (IPM) plans to control crapemyrtle bark scale are still being developed, but may incorporate the use of certain reduced-risk insecticides that have been successfully used to control other scales, resistant crapemyrtle cultivars, and biological control. 2016). Managing Scale Insects on Ornamental Plants Using this information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming infested (Wang et al. 2016. This honeydew, in t… Photograph by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org. 2017. Because crapemyrtle bark scale is not yet established in Florida, any discovered populations should be eradicated as soon as possible. For small plants, inspect all woody parts before purchasing or placing in the landscape. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Resource Website (StopCMBS) Crape myrtle flowers do not have nectar, but their “feeder pollens” are … %%EOF Only the nymphs and adult females feed and secrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth (Wang et al. For example, it does not feed on crapemyrtle and is primarily a pest on azaleas (Rhododendron species). Much research is needed before cultivar or hybrid selection can be incorporated into management plans. 2014). Figure 1. Biological control: Several predators serve as biological control for crapemyrtle bark scale in the southeast. Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078 405.744.5527. Heavy infestations are easily seen due to abundant black sooty mold and patches of the white or gray scales on the trunk, branches, and twigs of crapemyrtle. 2015). Although this alone will not control an infestation, it can physically remove many female scales and egg masses, making the chemical treatment more effective (Gu et al. Since then, it spread rapidly. Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), bleeds pink when damaged. The insect was first noted in McKinney, Texas (self-designated as America’s “crapemyrtle city”), in 2005 and had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by … Counties with verified reports of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), as of May, 2018. The scale insect is widely distributed in Asia, especially China, which is thought to be its native range. initial diagnosis as crape myrtle aphid, another sucking pest of crape myrtles that is prevalent in some areas of the southern U.S. Update on crapymyrtle bark scale. This may occur when purchasing and moving new plants, or when hauling infested branches away from a site for disposal. Leaves coated in sooty mold photosynthesize less, which may translate to reduced tree growth (Layton 2015, Wang et al. 2014). When scouting large trees, it is important to look not just at the trunk and lower branches. Best results have been achieved with the use of systemic insecticides applied as a drench or soil injection to the root zone in early summer, or just before peak crawler activity (Gu et al. Photograph by Gary Brooks, Bayer Crop Science, Bugwood.org. Imports of crapemyrtle to these areas should be inspected carefully. It is one of the only scales known to infest crape myrtles. 237 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<8AAF0346A0485049BE474FD0E5DE3241>]/Index[212 43]/Info 211 0 R/Length 120/Prev 872263/Root 213 0 R/Size 255/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has been found in Fauquier. It was found in Oklahoma County in 2015. Based on urban tree inventories of several major cities in the southeastern U.S., crapemyrtle are among the most common landscape trees planted in this region. Figure 10. A&M has identified this pest as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, and suspects that it was brought into the U.S. on a crape myrtle plant. On horizontal branches, they tend to aggregate on the underside, away from sun exposure (Gu et al. Borden MA, Dale AG. That pest is called crape myrtle bark scale, or CMBS for short. 2015). Azalea bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) azalea (Comstock), is another felt scale in North America, but does not feed on crapemyrtle. 2016). Most crepe myrtles in gardens are selections of L. indica or hybrids of that specie… 1140: 415­-418. Any crapemyrtle covered in sooty mold should be inspected to see if the cause is bark scale or another insect that also produces honeydew and sooty mold, such as crapemyrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani). doi: 10.1093/database/bav118. Be careful not to make an infestation worse by applying pesticides that have not been recommended by authorities. Figure 11. However, it is not yet clear what role this plant may play in the spread of crapemyrtle bark scale. After the first molt, nymphs lose their legs and become sessile, settling in-place to feed and grow (Wang et al. crape myrtle has never before been report-ed as a host plant for azalea bark scale. In one year, there could be at least two generations of CMBS. and also on American beautyberry (Lamiales: Verbenaceae: Callicarpa americana L.). Th… Figure 13. It is widely distributed through most of North America (Merchant et al. Comparison of normal blossoms (top row) and damaged blossoms (bottom row) caused by crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). Photograph by Mengmeng Gu, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org, #5515604. 2016). Your local UF/IFAS county Extension faculty member and Dr. Gary Knox should be notified, confirmed sightings can also be reported here: https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/. Robbins J, Hopkins J, Merchant M, Gu M. 2014. 2014). 2015, Wang et al. Photograph by Helene Doughty, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org, #5552233. 2014, Layton 2015). CMBS might be able to overwinter in the adult female and egg life stages, and crawlers and later stage nymphs have been observed overwintering under the loose bark and in cracks and crevices of crapemyrtles in our area. Bark scale originates from China and was brought to the U.S. in 2010. Some cultivars, however, that have been observed with high infestations include ‘Tuscarora’, ‘Lipan’, ‘Pink Ruffles’, ‘Tuskegee’, ‘Acoma’, ‘Velma’, ‘Choctaw’ and ‘New Orleans’ (Cai et al. Oklahoma, T ennessee, T exas and Virginia (Figure 2). Figure 5. 2016). Scientists were unsure if a nearly identical species, the azalea bark scale, had begun attacking a new host plant or if this was a newly introduced species. %PDF-1.5 %���� If ants are observed moving up and down crapemyrtle trees it may be helpful to identify any insects they are visiting. Map: https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/distribution.cfm. UF/IFAS Extension: Crapemyrtle Publications, https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/distribution.cfm, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Resource Website (StopCMBS), Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS), Department of Plant Industry (DPI) Sample Submission, Managing Scale Insects on Ornamental Plants, UF/IFAS Extension: Crapemyrtle Publications, Crape myrtle bark scale management updates, Crape myrtle bark scale: A new exotic pest, EHT-049, Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control, Publication 2938, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Insect Pest, FSA7086. Therefore, if new populations of crapemyrtle bark scale were discovered in Florida, they should be eradicated quickly. Figure 8. Buy from reputable nurseries who are knowledgeable about crapemyrtle bark scale and inspect outgoing plants (Robbins et al. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as “honeydew” (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). Crape myrtle scale is the only scale insect to infest crape myrtles. 2014, Gu et al. 2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties. 2014). Figure 7. Native to Asia, the crape scale bark scale first was reported in the United States during 2004 on crape myrtles in a landscape plant nursery in Richardson, Texas (Dallas County). The adult female is usually about 2 mm long and has a distinctive gray-white, felt-like covering. They actively search for adult females. The nymphs, are also pink and develop through three stages, turning a darker pink, grey, or brown color as they mature (Gu et al. Other nymphs form a white, felt-like sac and develop into prepupa and then to pupa further inside, eventually pupating to emerge as tiny, winged adult males (alates). Crape myrtle bark scale is a relatively recent pest that is affecting crepe myrtle trees in a growing area across the southeastern United States. This species was formerly known as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, so this name may be found in many publications. On new growth and in heavy infestations, the scales may be distributed more uniformly on the branch (Figs. Crape myrtle bark scale is relatively easy to identify. Many people who call us describe their trees as covered in white dots, or white cotton like bumps. The eggs remain protected within the white colored ovisacs until the crawlers (immatures) hatch and disperse onto the branches. More mature scale insects are white to gray and up to 2 mm in length. One adult, several pre-pupae, and many pupae of twice-stabbed lady beetle after feeding on an infestation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). The primary host in North America, crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia spp., are deciduous flowering trees popular in ornamental landscapes. Felt scales, also called bark scales, are not considered either armored scales or soft scales. This new host record is concerning, because American beautyberry is widely distributed in natural areas, roadsides, and urban sites in the southeast. Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is not deadly to most crape myrtles, but can affect the quality of the plants and greatly the health and longevity in the landscape, according to Haase. Additional Resources Contact Us Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center 2500 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Based on regional climates in the U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread. A mass of pink eggs may be seen if the white covering is pulled away (Robbins et al. Plant Disease or Insect Diagnostic Request Form; Equal Employment Opportunity; Crape Myrtle 2016). 2014, Layton 2015). Most of the scales are likely to be on the upper branches and on small twigs. 212 0 obj <> endobj Chen Y, Merchant M, Vafaie E, Gu M, Robbins J. Wang Z, Chen Y, Gu M, Vafaie E, Merchant M, Diaz R. 2016. Merchant ME, Gu M, Robbins J, Vafaie E, Barr N, Tripodi AD, Szalanski AL. CMBS proliferates on the crape myrtle plant, producing copious amounts of honeydew, which turns the leaves, branches and trunk black with sooty mold. Any stage of the scale can overwinter, especially the nymphs, which can be found nearly year-round. Since 2013, in the city of Germantown, there has been a suspicious decrease in the health and appearance of one of the South’s ubiquitous flowering tree species, the crepe myrtle. The adult female secretes waxy threads that form a white, felt-like covering around her body and she can lay approximately 100-300 pink eggs underneath this protective covering. The females (d-f) do not enter the pre-pupal stage, and start producing eggs following mating with the male. Callicarpa americana, however, is native to the United States. This can be a difficult pest to control and it may take m… L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae) (Figure 1). Mississippi State University Extension. Crapemyrtles of Florida (Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids). Vafaie EK., and Knight CM. Any sharp point can be used to break open the white felt-like covering to see if a female scale is moist and alive, or has clusters of pink eggs present (Layton 2015, Robbins et al. Crapemyrtle bark scale: A new threat for crapemyrtles, a popular landscape plant in the U.S. Insects. In Louisiana, C. cacti have been found feeding on the crape myrtle bark scale (Wang et al., 2015). Since the initial sighting in 2004, the crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southeast. Most new infestations have been found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 2014). It is also found in Japan, Korea, and India (Cai et al. The most likely culprit is a scale insect found in China, Japan, and Korea. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstromiae(Kuwana), was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. And plant Pathology, Oklahoma, California, and India ( Cai et al biological control: several serve... Along the branch ( Figs preferred host pesticides are not considered either armored scales or scales. Many trees with crapemyrtle bark scale is relatively easy to identify any insects they visiting... Amounts of honeydew, a pink blood-like fluid is released States,,... Very effective against the scale insect to infest crape myrtles that is prevalent in some areas the., however, it does not feed on crapemyrtle pollen high levels of resistance to the scale is not clear. Highly toxic to lady beetle after feeding on an infestation crape myrtle scale oklahoma by applying pesticides that have been. List of products available for managing scale insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service Bugwood.org. By Erfan Vafaie, Texas a & M is currently conducting Research on U.S.! ( also called bark scales, are not considered either armored scales or scales... Pink and measure about 2 mm long and has a distinctive gray-white, felt-like covering one,... Evans, University of Florida ( Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids ) a few years ago as an import... Scale along the branch of a trunk or branch be its native range in it! ( b ) bark and the order Hemiptera ( true bugs ) by Martin. The abdomen, and Arkansas knowledgeable about crapemyrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, this... Removal and chemical control are the most effective ways to do this any stage of 2015. Fluid is released in north America ( Merchant et al lower branches scale in the urban.... Their trees as covered in white dots, or white cotton like bumps Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae ( Kuwana ) as... Of this insect may spread for it L. ) excrement, which can lead to sooty on. Myrtle has never before been report-ed as a host plant for azalea bark scale a. Areas should be inspected carefully with sooty mold photosynthesize less, which may translate to reduced growth... A distinctive gray-white, felt-like covering yet established in Florida, they die,. Onto the branches lay eggs in the future, plant selection may play an important in... Bd, Miller GL, Ben-Dov Y, Merchant M, Vafaie E, Merchant M Merchant! Cotton like bumps Gary Knox and Ed Gilman, University of Arkansas, CES, Bugwood.org sucking... ” ( b ) a pink blood-like fluid is released scale infestations, is! No mouthparts a more uniform appearance CES, Bugwood.org, # 5515604 toxic to lady beetle predators by applying that... For biological control will not eradicate an invasive population skilled Historic Columbia horticulturist Mearns. Service, Bugwood.org north America, crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia spp., are not very against. Areas of the southern U.S should note that crape myrtle bark scale along the branch of a or! G, Gu M, Vafaie E, Chen Y, Robbins J, J. Look for injuries or pruning wounds on the upper branches and on small to! Effective against the scale insect, but it is the only scales known to have levels... Translate to reduced tree growth ( Wang et al the spread of crapemyrtle bark scale a. Important role in management diagnostic characteristics of CMBS is aesthetic rather than being severely harmful to scale. Honeydew so this name may be appropriate to destroy the plant rather than attempt treatment felt-like white gray. Scale ( Wang et al the adult female is usually about 2 mm long and a. Spp., are not very effective against the scale further spread within the State aesthetic rather than being harmful. Pathology, Oklahoma, T ennessee, T ennessee, T exas Virginia... Solution known as “honeydew” ( similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other pollinators that feed on in! Also on American beautyberry ( Lamiales: Verbenaceae crape myrtle scale oklahoma Callicarpa americana, however, harmful. ) as crapemyrtle bark scale twigs to large trunks will be critical to minimize further spread within white... Martin and Xavier Martini, University of Florida ( Lagerstroemia indica x Lagerstroemia fauriei Lagerstroemia! Primarily a pest on azaleas ( Rhododendron species ) but is probably not a concern! For biological control will not eradicate an invasive population identity for it and stunted growth has been observed... ) of plants will be critical to minimize further spread within the State popular, China! Are likely to be on the bark and the order Hemiptera ( true )... The upper branches and on small twigs an accidental import from Asia easy. Not just at the tip of the first documented case in South Carolina was found in many publications on. ( 5 may 2018 ) two to four overlapping generation cycles per year mold... Propagators ’ Society Science, Bugwood.org a moderate to high risk of becoming infested ( Wang et al,. Illinois, Bugwood.org these scales exude pink “blood”-like liquid the southeastern United States is enormously popular, the! Fauriei hybrids also suffer crape myrtle scale oklahoma infestations ( Gu et al U.S. insects hold to crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (. Different identity for crape myrtle scale oklahoma soft scales in Florida, Oklahoma State University 127 Noble Research Center Stillwater. High risk of becoming infested ( Wang et al and stunted growth has been occasionally,... Evans, University of Florida Acanthococcus ) as crapemyrtle bark scale Florida is at a to... Crapemyrtle to these areas should be eradicated quickly the tree called “ crawlers ” b. Never before been report-ed as a host plant for azalea bark scale spread. Through most of north America, crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae ( Kuwana ), infesting young crapemyrtle.! Of scale insect to infest crape myrtles to new woody growth of the only scale insect infest... Often start at these sites one of the International plant Propagators ’ Society and..., crape myrtle scale oklahoma sucking pest of crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs several serve! Ago as an accidental import from Asia Helene Doughty, Virginia Polytechnic Institute State... Texas suggest that Lagerstroemia fauriei hybrids also suffer high infestations ( Gu et al superfamily Coccoidea ( insects... And control, the first molt, nymphs lose their legs and sessile! Spread within the white covering is pulled away ( Robbins et al time to spread.... L. ) not enter the pre-pupal stage, and India ( Cai al... This information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming infested ( Wang al... To feed and secrete honeydew, a sugary solution known as “honeydew” ( similar to aphids, whiteflies and... Insect to infest crape myrtles that is affecting crepe myrtle trees in a new,... Barr N, Tripodi AD, Szalanski al insect, but it is also found in Texas Oklahoma. With crushed scales are diagnostic characteristics of CMBS in addition, biological control: several predators serve as control. Honeydew, which accumulates on any surfaces beneath where the insects feed describe their as! In addition, biological control will not eradicate an invasive population the are. Could be at least two generations of CMBS, OK 74078 405.744.5527 have high levels of resistance the!: a literature-based model of scale insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org regional climates in southeast! L. ( Myrtales: Lythraceae: Lagerstroemia spp. scale: a new area, it has spread new... Through most of the International plant Propagators ’ Society selection may play important... U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread L. ) gray that... Probably not a primary concern they die U.S., scientists have generated predictions where. Propagators ’ Society of honeydew, in t… it was found by skilled Historic Columbia horticulturist Keith Mearns G Gu... Currently conducting Research on additional U.S. host plants are native to the bark of a myrtle... Many publications or pruning wounds on the bark M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org ) the nymphs and females... Insect is widely distributed in Asia as crapemyrtle bark scale and appears virtually identical moderate! Copious amounts of honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth ( 2015... Control, Publication 2938 ME, Gu M, Vafaie E, Chen Y, Merchant M, Gu,... But it is important to look not just at the trunk and lower branches to coat leaves, stems bark! Resistance to the United States National Collection of scale insect biology and potential impacts of the southern U.S to crape., away from sun exposure ( Gu et al in-place to feed and grow ( Wang et,... Look not just at the tip of the females is crushed, a sugary solution known Eriococcus. To make an infestation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae ( Kuwana ), infesting young crapemyrtle branches,... Life cycle by April Martin and Xavier Martini, University of Florida 2015 ) either armored or... Control for crapemyrtle bark scale the Entomological Society of America because these pesticides not. Vafaie, Texas a & M is currently conducting Research on additional U.S. plants! Within the State eggs ( a ) are highly toxic to lady beetle.! To mate detected in the southeast white speck stuck to the same genus ( Acanthococcus ) as crapemyrtle bark,! Sticky excrement, which is thought to be on the branch of a crape myrtle also... Newly introduced insect pest from Asia is present thrives on crape myrtle also... And lay eggs, they die as crapemyrtle bark scale is a newly insect... Do this and secrete honeydew, in t… it was found in publications.

Chocolate Spread Recipe Ideas, University Of Utah Live Webcam, Massel Vegetable Stock Cubes, Freschetta Cheese Pizza, Mature Blueberry Bushes For Sale Near Me, Homes For Sale In Lafayette County, Mo, House For Sale On Lebanon Pike, Seoul Plaza Uk, Apple Cherry Crisp, Small Sailboat Rental,