Sydney NSW, Australia
Identification request
2017-10-31T22:00:00.0000000Z
1
Request for identification : Pest on coconuts - Fiji
Dear Collegues,
This coconut problem was observed from only two plants in a backyard farm of a farmer in the northern side of Fiji (dry zone area). Almost all the nuts are affected with this white powdery appearance. The powder has a sticky characteristic when touch. My suspect is an early stage of mite infection. Please id and provide management practices. A normal coconut is provided for comparison.
Thank you
Toloi Vasuidreketi
Ministry of Agriculture
Plant Protection Section
Nausori
Fiji
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Responses
0
2017-11-12T14:00:00.0000000Z
Toloi Please see fact sheet on Pestnet website, or just go to http://www.pestnet.org/fact_sheets/mini/coconut_false_scale_348.htm
This is called coconut false scale. A pretty severe insect without an adequate biological control
grahame
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0
2017-11-12T14:00:00.0000000Z
Don't get too alarmed at this stage; there are other armoured scales that it could be, like Hemiberlesia palmae or H. lataniae. You need to get an authoritative identification done based on slide mounted adult females.
Gillian
Gillian
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0
2017-11-12T14:00:00.0000000Z
It
is difficult to tell from the photograph, but am I correct in
interpreting it as showing the nuts encrusted with armoured scale
insects?
The obvious armoured scale to expect would be Aspidiotus destructor,
which has been present in Fiji for along time and is normally
controlled by predators and parasitoids. Possibly something has reduced
natural enemy populations, allowing the scales to proliferate? Bear in
mind that the parasitoids are highly susceptible to pesticides, so if
there is heavy pesticide use this may have caused a scale outbreak.
If
that is the case, stopping pesticide use is the best way to allow the
natural enemies to re-colonise the area. If it is absolutely necessary
to control the scales quickly, horticultural oils are less toxic to the
natural enemies than are other types of pesticide.
An alternative explanation could be that Aspidiotus rigidus
(currently damaging coconuts in the Philippines) could have got
introduced to Fiji accidentally. If that is the case the problem could
become serious and widespread. I would recommend getting the insects
identified by an expert. Unfortunately I cannot do this as I have no
access to microscopes or slide-making facilities.
I hope that this is of some assistance.
Gillian Watson
Ex-California Department of Food & Agriculture
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