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November
PEST OF THE MONTH Asian Cycad Scales on Sago Palm |
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 Asian Cycad Scales on Sago palm. Photo: University of California at Davis |
 A Sago palm infested with the Asian Cycad Scale. Photo: mgonline |
Recently, the San Antonio Express News reported a story on Asian cycad scales on sago palms. This story brought attention to this exotic scale and mentioned that the scale had not been reported in San Antonio.
Now we know that Asian cycad is, in fact, found
in San Antonio. Many samples were brought into the Extension office and sent
on to Texas A&M for identification. Some samples were not Asian cycad, but
many were. As a result, the distribution maps of Asian cycad are being edited.
Asian cycad can be very damaging to plants if left untreated or allowed to spread.
If you have sago palms, monitor the plant and check for white, cottony scales
along the veins, stems, and leaves. If you do not have a heavy infestation start
by clipping infested branches (fronds) and destroying them. In heavily infested
palms it is impossible to clip the branches because you would be clipping each
one!
Insecticidal soaps applied at least every 2-3 days is a good treatment option.
You must be persistant--one application will not do the trick! Insecticidal
soaps can be store bought or made yourself. Mix 1/2 to 1 cup of liquid soap
per gallon of water, and apply. Horticultural oils are also a good option, but
check the label and with your nurseryman to make sure the oil will not burn
up the plant.
If you are concerned that you may have Asian cycad, please contact Texas Cooperative
Extension in Bexar County at 210/467-6575 or mekeck@ag.tamu.edu.
We are very interested in understanding how long the scale has been here and
perhaps where it has come from. There are also opportunities for sago palms
to be included in various insecticidal trials to determine the best treatment
options.
For more information contact IPM Program Specialist
and Entomologist, Molly Keck at 210-467-6575 or email at mekeck@ag.tamu.edu