Red Scale
Aonidiella aurantii
Overview
Red Scale (Aonidiella aurantia) is an armoured scale insect which is a major pest of citrus. It is also known as Citrus Red Scale or Californian Red Scale.
Scale insects have a waxy protective cover, which may be a hard cover (armoured scales) as in the case of red scale, or a soft cover (soft scales) as in the case of soft brown scale.
Red Scale has a moderate host range including citrus, roses, passion fruit, papaya, olives and carob.
Why you need to control Red Scale
Red Scale infestations can reduce your fruit quality, decrease tree vigour and eventually cause tree death. Red Scale is a declared biosecurity threat in other countries and affects Australian exports if it is detected.
Beneficial predators to control Red Scale among crops
Biological Services can help you control Red Scale in your commercial crop and can design a regular release program utilising Aphytis melinus (Aphytis).
Naturally occurring beneficials such as Comperiella, Encarsia species, Lacewings, Lindorus and Chilocorus also assist control.
Get tailored advice for your commercial crop
To speak with one of our qualified consultants about your current commercial crop challenge or to learn about the benefits of the IPM maintenance and monitoring services we provide, contact us.
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