Backe, K.M., & Frank, S.D. 2019 Chronology of Gloomy Scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) Infestations on Urban Trees. Environmental Entomology 2019: 1-8

Keywords:

control

Notes: Gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa Comstock; Hemiptera: Diaspididae), a pest of red maples (Acer rubrum L.; Sapindales: Sapindaceae) in the southeast United States, reaches injurious levels in cities and reduces tree condition. Here, we use a chronosequence field study in Raleigh, NC, to investigate patterns in gloomy scale densities over time from the nursery to 13 years after tree planting, with a goal of informing more efficient management of gloomy scale on urban trees. There is a lag between the onset of pest infestations and a decline in tree condition, indicating that gloomy scale management should begin prior to a visible decline in tree condition. Our results inform management of gloomy scale in cities.