Preliminary Study on the Control of the Cottony-Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasii Maskell,) by Means of Insecticides

Abstract

The cottony-cushion scale, Icerya purchasii Maskell, is one of the soft scales that attack a large variety of plants and trees in our Island. A series of host plants are listed and the insect is briefly described. Its distribution and natural enemies are also listed. Two insecticides, namely Parathion and Malathion, were tested for the control of the cottony-cushion scale in Australian pine, Casuarina equisetifolia Forst. Total control was obtained for all adult scales and crawlers with both insecticides, while in the checks both stages continued alive. It was found that the insecticides were not effective in the control of the eggs.