Cottony Camellia Scale (Pulvinaria floccifera)
GDD Window (base 50): 802-1388
Overview:
- Soft scales with a cottony mass of eggs found on branches and leaves of host plants
- Mature females are oval shaped, and yellowish tan with a brown outer ring, growing up to 1/8″ in length
- Adults are usually found on the undersides of foliage
- White egg sac remains attached to the foliage after the female dies and falls to the ground
- Overwinters on the bark of deciduous plants, and on the foliage of evergreens
- Crawlers are pale yellow
- One generation per year
- Produces honeydew which grows sooty mold
- Leads to leaf yellowing and reduced plant vigor
- Host plants: over 37 plant families
- Yew, Holly, Camellia
Management:
Cultural Practices:
- Natural predators: lady beetles, parasitic wasps
- Monitor populations and remove scales manually
- Reduce plant stress
- Prune heavily infested branches
Materials:
- Contact insecticides:
- Pyrethroids [3]: –thrins
- Carbamates [1A]: carbaryl
- Systemic insecticides:
- Neonicotinoids [4A]: imidacloprid, dinotefuran
- Organophosphates [1B]: acephate
- Considerations:
- Will harm non-target species
- Target sprays during crawler stage
Biorationals:
- Horticultural oils
- Insecticidal soap
- Neonic: acetamiprid
- Buprofezin (IGR)
- Pyriproxyfen (IGR)
Resources:
Some Key Soft Scale Pests in the Landscape – PPA
Disclaimer – Materials do not cover all possible control scenarios and are intended for licensed professionals. Tradenames do not imply endorsement and are used as examples. You must strictly follow the label for each compound prior to use. Rutgers is not responsible form is used materials or damages thereof. The label is the law. Labels will provide detailed information on use and restrictions. Additionally, application intervals, compatibility, surfactant use, PHI, PPE, important and other key information is described in detail. Always discuss treatments with your local agents. Note: Neonicotinoids can only be legally applied in commercial agriculture settings by licensed applicators. Guidelines and recommendations made in this presentation are specific to the state of New Jersey.