Pear scale

Systematic position: The pear scale (Epidiaspis leperii) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Diaspididae. It is a specialized sap-sucking insect that remains stationary throughout most of its life cycle, protected by a hard, waxy cover (scale).

Host plants: As the name implies, the primary host is the pear tree. However, it frequently infests apples, plums, peaches, and various stone fruits. It is commonly found in orchards where canopy management is neglected, allowing the pest to colonize bark effectively.

Biology and life cycle: The insect overwinters as fertilized females on the tree bark. In spring, as temperatures rise, they lay eggs underneath their protective scales. The resulting nymphs, known as crawlers, move across the tree surface to find suitable feeding sites, where they settle and develop their own scales.

Nature of damage and harm: These pests feed by inserting their stylets into the bark, extracting sap. This feeding causes cracks, deformations, and localized necrosis of the bark. Significant infestations lead to severe tree stress, stunted growth, reduction in yield, and in some cases, the death of younger trees.

Control measures: A multi-faceted approach is required for effective control. Cultural practices such as cleaning rough bark during dormancy can reduce the population. Chemical control is most effective against the crawler stage, using systemic insecticides. Additionally, mineral oil treatments during the dormant season are highly recommended to smother the overwintering females.