The white mango scale, White scale, scientifically known as Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead), is a significant pest of mango trees (Mangifera indica) and other tropical and subtropical fruit crops. It is a member of the family Diaspididae within the order Hemiptera.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Diaspididae (Armored Scales)
Genus: Aulacaspis
Species: Aulacaspis tubercularis
Common Names: White mango scale
Adult Females: Oval, white to translucent, approximately 1–2 mm in length. They secrete a waxy covering that partially obscures their body.
Male Armors: Small, elongate, and translucent, typically found beneath the female's waxy covering.
Crawlers (Nymphs): Tiny, mobile, and yellow to pale brown, dispersing to new feeding sites before settling down.
Aulacaspis tubercularis primarily infests mango trees (Mangifera indica) but can also be found on other tropical and subtropical fruit crops. It is a polyphagous, multivoltine pest, meaning it can infest various plant species and reproduce multiple times per year .
Honeydew Production: The scale feeds on plant sap, excreting honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold on plant surfaces.
Plant Stress: Heavy infestations can cause yellowing of leaves, reduced growth, and overall plant decline.
Aesthetic Impact: Sooty mold growth can reduce photosynthesis and detract from the plant's appearance.
Chemical Control: Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to affected areas. It's essential to spray during the crawler stage for effective control.
Biological Control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Cultural Practices: Maintain plant health through proper watering and fertilization to enhance resistance.
Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of scale infestation.
| Aulacaspis tubercularis |
The white mango scale, White scale, scientifically known as Aulacaspis tubercularis (Newstead), is a significant pest of mango trees (Mangifera indica) and other tropical and subtropical fruit crops. It is a member of the family Diaspididae within the order Hemiptera.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Diaspididae (Armored Scales)
Genus: Aulacaspis
Species: Aulacaspis tubercularis
Common Names: White mango scale
Adult Females: Oval, white to translucent, approximately 1–2 mm in length. They secrete a waxy covering that partially obscures their body.
Male Armors: Small, elongate, and translucent, typically found beneath the female's waxy covering.
Crawlers (Nymphs): Tiny, mobile, and yellow to pale brown, dispersing to new feeding sites before settling down.
Aulacaspis tubercularis primarily infests mango trees (Mangifera indica) but can also be found on other tropical and subtropical fruit crops. It is a polyphagous, multivoltine pest, meaning it can infest various plant species and reproduce multiple times per year .
Honeydew Production: The scale feeds on plant sap, excreting honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold on plant surfaces.
Plant Stress: Heavy infestations can cause yellowing of leaves, reduced growth, and overall plant decline.
Aesthetic Impact: Sooty mold growth can reduce photosynthesis and detract from the plant's appearance.
Chemical Control: Apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to affected areas. It's essential to spray during the crawler stage for effective control.
Biological Control: Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Cultural Practices: Maintain plant health through proper watering and fertilization to enhance resistance.
Monitoring: Regularly inspect plants for signs of scale infestation.
