Vithana, K.V.A.I.K, Sirisena, U.G.A.I, & Hemachandra, K.S. 2018 Pink Wax Scale (Ceroplastes rubens) a Growing Threat to Agriculture in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research 30(2): 13 – 22
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Notes: Wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell, has become an increasingly concerning pest on crop plants and perennials in Sri Lanka. Recent field reports indicate outbreaks of wax scales population and rapid spread on a large number of economically important plants. The species was prevalent on host-plants belonging to 28 families in all three districts surveyed, among the host-plants families, Araceae (16.9%), Anacardiaceae (16.1%), Myrtaceae (12.7%) and Rubiaceae (10.2%) found to be dominant. It was also found that the significantly higher (p<0.05) infestation level in Gampaha district in compared to Kalutara and Kandy districts. The necessary actions need to be taken to control pink wax scale to prevent further spreading into other areas of the country.
