Re: pit scale
Bracey and Richard Tiede wrote:
>
> Rebecca:
>
> Take a look at the following website for some help. There are many ways to deal with it.
>
> http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn009.html
Bracey
Never having heard of Pit Scale I looked up this site you recommended,
but could not find it in their lists, either under its common or
scientific name.
Can you or anybody else on the list suggest any other more specific
reference which would be accesssable to me? (Remembering I do not live
in the USA)
I wonder, for instance, where it comes from originally. As it is called
the _Pittosporum_ Pit Scale. I presume this is a principal host and, of
course many Pittosporums ar NZ natives which makes the fact I have never
heard of it here relatively surprising.
Moira
pit scale
>
> Can anyone give me any information on Pittosporum pit scale ( asterolecanium
> arabidis--often referred to simply as 'the pest' in APS journals) I have
> done an Internet search, but have been unable to find any specific
> information.
> Several of my penstemons are exhibiting what could be symptoms of this
> pest--twisting stems with occasional swollen nodules and evidence of some
> pitting. My questions are this:
> How serious should I treat this infestation? Let us say we have a relative
> scale of responses with extremes on either end:
> Most radical approach--do everything possible to eliminate infested plants,
> put a huge plastic tent over the House, release extremely toxic pesticides
> that will kill everything for 1 mi. radius.
> Most lax approach--watch the impending doom of penstemons with an air of
> tolerance and think to oneself , "My, how complicated the universe is. "
> Clearly, neither approach is appropriate. What is a reasonable response? Is
> this scale likely to destroy everything in my garden ? (Based on what
> limited information I was able to find, I discovered that all of my favorite
> plants are favored food sources of 'the pest'. ) Or will it remain
> relatively in check, causing localized damage at some times of the year but
> otherwise not interfering with the overall harmony of the garden? How
> common is this problem in California?
> Any information you could send me would be much appreciated.
>
> I am a recent subscriber to this list, and apologize if this is an old and
> weary subject.
>
> Rebecca Lance
> rlance@sonnet.com
> Sonora California (central Sierra Nevada foothills)
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, New Zealand. (on the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
Lat. 41:16S Long. 174:58E. Climate: Mediterranean/Temperate
