Vargas, O. 1978 The white scale (Aonidomytilus albus Ckll.) on cassava.. Proceedings Cassava Protection Workshop, CIAT, Cali, Colombia, 7-12 November, 1977. Centro Internacional de Agricultura Tropical Cali, Colombia 244 pp. 1979
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Notes: Scale insects have appeared as pests of cassava in South America, Asia and Africa as a result of the increase in area planted to cassava and because of the use of insecticides on other crops. The most important species are Aonidomytilus albus and Saissetia sp., which are generally found on the stems and occasionally on the petioles. Damage is greatest when the plant is attacked during the early stages of growth before it is well established. The habits and instars of the insect are described, and the means of dissemination are given. Infestation of propagating material by scale insects can reduce the percentage of germination significantly, as well as delay initial growth. The most serious damage (death of lateral buds) results in the loss of planting material. Control measures are discussed.
