2024 seems like a year of citricola scale. This season, pest control advisors have reported significant numbers of citricola scale in the San Joaquin Valley. Citricola scale, a soft bodied scale insect is sap sucking pest of citrus that thrives in cooler temperatures. This pest is not a problem every year, but may quitely build up population and explode when weather conditions are favorable. It cause damage by sucking sap leading to twig death and reduce yield. Citricola produces honeydew, thereby making leaves and fruit covered with black sooty mold. Damage thresholds are low for, 1 adult scale/twig or 0.5 1st instar/leaf. It can be best managed by understanding how and when to apply treatments. A field day will teach PCAs how to recognize various life stages, differenciate between live and dead scales, and discussion of best management options available.  

When: Tuesday September 24, 2024, 9:00-11 am

Where: Lindcove Research and Extension Center; 22963 Carson Ave., Exeter, CA 93221

Register for the event using this link

 Instructor: Dr. Sandipa Gautam

 Course Objective: To teach PCAs how to recognize the various life stages of citricola scale and the natural enemies that attack them. Identify between a dead and a live scale and field demonstration of pesticide efficacy. Citricola scale management strategies will be discussed.  

 9-9:30 a.m. Registration: Lindcove REC

9:30-11 a.m.

A. Powerpoint presentation by Sandipa Gautam on the biology of citricola life cycle, identification, and its natural enemies. Efficacy of foliar and soil applications for citricola scale control will also be discussed.

B. Identification citricola scale and differentiation between live and dead scale

C. Field demonstration of citricola scale infestation, sampling methods, and effects of insecticide treatments to control scale.

Continuing Education 2.0 other units pending approval.