Prevention and Treatment Methods for Cottony Maple Scale on Golden Privet

Golden privet is an indispensable colored-leaf plant used for color blocks in urban landscaping, and cottony maple scale disease is one of its common diseases. Below, we introduce methods for preventing and treating cottony maple scale disease on golden privet for reference.

I. Cottony maple scale disease on golden privet

Also known as the mulberry mealybug. At present, it occurs on a large scale on golden privet in urban road median strips and residential communities. The symptoms are often mistaken for dry, withered leaves caused by exposure to the sun and lack of water. On closer observation, white flocculent matter can be found. Relevant units should pay sufficient attention and promptly carry out prevention and control.

There are 3 generations per year. The peak occurrence period of the first-generation nymphs is mid-to-late May, the peak occurrence period of the second generation is mid-to-late July, and the peak occurrence period of the third generation is from late August to early September. They pierce and suck plant sap, causing twigs and leaves to lose water and wilt, and in severe cases the whole plant shrinks and dies. They can also induce sooty mold.

II. Methods for preventing and treating cottony maple scale disease on golden privet

1. Preventive measures

During the growing season, try not to prune heavily. If pruning must be carried out for uniformity, then after pruning spray a protective fungicide such as 1500 times mancozeb or 1000 times carbendazim once every 5 to 7 days, for 3 to 4 consecutive sprays. Strengthen routine management, pay attention to ventilation, fertilize rationally, water scientifically, and enhance tree vigor and disease resistance.

2. Treatment methods

Prune off diseased and pest-infested branches, and promptly clean them up and burn them. Spray with 1000 times Jiesha solution or 1000-1500 times Kuangshajie solution or 1000 to 1500 times Supusha solution once every 5 to 7 days, and with 2 to 3 consecutive applications they can be completely eliminated. When spraying, be sure to spray the whole plant (including diseased plants and healthy plants), and apply the pesticide evenly to both the front and back of the leaves for better results.

III. Key points for routine care of golden privet

1. Strengthen cultivation management and increase the application of organic fertilizer. Use nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers in combination so that the seedlings grow vigorously and their stress resistance is enhanced. Avoid the one-sided application of quick-acting nitrogen, which causes excessive vegetative growth of the seedlings.

2. Clean up the planting site and block the source of the pathogen. After each pruning, promptly remove the cut leaves and branches from the planting site, clear weeds at any time, and always keep the planting site clean and free of debris. Reduce overwintering mycelium and block the source of the pathogen.

3. Prune in a timely manner and promptly treat wounds. During the rainy season, pruning should be done less or not at all to reduce wounds and lower the possibility of pathogen invasion. No matter when pruning is done, a fungicide should be sprayed immediately after pruning for protection.