D3036: A box and a scale: Japanese maple scale management on boxwoods

The Japanese maple scale (Lopholeucaspis japonica, Hemiptera: Diaspididae; JMS) has been a pest of ornamentals since 1914 in the US, however, in recent years has become more prevalent. This insect can target up to 28 species and 62 plant generas. This hard-armored scale is unsightly causing economic losses from unsellable infested plants. The lack of knowledge regarding this particular pest has caused the nursery industry significant loss in revenue whether from plant rejections or due to plant loss. Understanding the phenology, ecology, and management options, will help the nursery industry decrease losses. This study was led in Virginia with a focus on boxwoods. Selected commercial blocks were used in order to record infestation rates and cultivar preferences. Within these blocks we monitored the presence of crawlers by implementing the tape method. Additionally, a rearing methodology was explored to augment field studies. By using different trapping methods within the designated areas, we were able to compare predators that could be used as potential biological control agents, to determine those most prevalent and whether they impacted JMS populations. In the absence of biological control options, we studied the efficacy and timing of different insecticides. Understanding the phenology, biocontrol, and efficacy of insecticides will help growers reduce JMS induced economic loss.