Wakgari, W.M., & Giliomee, J.H. 1998 Observations on the white wax scale, Ceroplastes destructor Newstead (Hemiptera: Coccidae), a pest of citrus in South Africa.. VIIIth International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies. Wye, UK 41 pp.

Notes: [Conference held at Wye College, University of London, Aug. 31st - Sept. 6th, 1998.] Abstract only. C. destructor has recently reached pest status in South Africa in citrus growing regions, and especially on easy-peel citrus (Citrus reticulata) groves. This study investigates its morphology, biology and population dynamics with the view of providing a more informed basis for control programs. Morphometric characteristics useful for the separation of the different life stages were described from field-collected and slide-mounted specimens. The fecundity, fertility, phenology and dispersion of C. destructor were investigated both on-farm (by regular field sampling) and on-station (by artificially infesting seedlings with crawlers). The temporal and spatial dynamics of population densities and levels, and the factors responsible for the changes are being studied through regular sampling from a group of easy-peel citrus groves representing varying altitudinal ranges in the Cape Province. Studies are also in progress to assess the underlying reasons for the upsurge of this species, and to determine the effect of scale density on its fecundity and fertility and on the growth and physiology of infested trees.