Re: pit scale
- To: Mediterannean Plants List
- Subject: Re: pit scale
- From: r* l*
- Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2000 21:23:00 -0700
I was also wondering where it orignated. I know that it is famous for
attacking penstemons. A book called _insects that feed on trees and shrubs_,
dated 1976 lists the following ornamentals as hosts:
Aralia, Arctstaphylos, Berberis, Capenteria, Ceanothus, Cestrum,
Chaenomeles, Cistus, Correa, Cotoneaster, Daubentonia, Fraxinus, Fremontia,
Hedera, Helianthemum, Jasminum, Ligustrum, Loyus, Penstemon, Philadelphus,
Pittosporum, Pyracantha, Rosa, Salvia, Spartium, Syringa, Veronica, Vitex,
Weigelia
I got nervous when I saw this list because I have so many of the plants on
it.
I posted this same query to the Penstemon list, but received no specific
info from them.
Rebecca Lance
Sonora CA
Sunset zone 7-8
----------
> 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
>
