Cassava white scale

The cassava white scale (Aonidomytilus albus) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Diaspididae. It is a significant agricultural pest that primarily targets cassava plants (Manihot esculenta), causing substantial economic losses in tropical regions where this crop is a staple food source.

This pest is specialized in feeding on the stems and branches of the cassava plant. By inserting their mouthparts into the plant tissue, these insects extract vital sap, which directly impacts the plant's metabolic processes and reduces the energy available for tuber development.

The biology of Aonidomytilus albus is defined by the presence of a protective scale cover, which makes the adult stage highly resistant to contact insecticides. The life cycle involves a mobile crawler stage that facilitates the spread of the infestation to adjacent plants or new plantations.

The damage caused by the cassava white scale leads to stunted plant growth, chlorosis, and in severe cases, the death of young stems. Because the infestation is often systemic within a plantation, it significantly compromises the quality of cuttings used for the next planting season, perpetuating the cycle of damage.

• Implement strict quarantine protocols for the movement of cassava cuttings.
• Select and use only healthy, scale-free planting material.
• Prune and destroy heavily infested plant parts to reduce the source of infection.
• Apply systemic insecticides during the crawler stage for effective control.
• Monitor plantation health regularly to detect early signs of scale presence.