Pulvinaria horii

Pulvinaria horii is a dangerous pest from the soft scale family (Coccidae), belonging to the order Hemiptera. This species is a sap-sucking insect that specializes in damaging woody plants and shrubs, causing significant inhibition of metabolic processes within plant tissues.

The pest primarily affects ornamental and fruit crops, including members of the Rosaceae and Aceraceae families. The greatest damage occurs in nurseries, park areas, and young orchards, where the presence of the insect leads to shoot deformation and a significant reduction in the plant's overall immunity.

The biology of the species is characterized by a complex life cycle. Adult females form characteristic white, cotton-like ovisacs (egg sacs) in which numerous eggs are laid. The crawler larvae actively disperse across the plant, choosing feeding sites on young branches and the undersides of leaves, where they begin to feed intensely on cell sap.

The damage caused is characterized by chlorosis of leaves, premature leaf drop, and the gradual dieback of terminal shoots. Due to the excretion of honeydew by the insects, sooty mold often develops on the affected areas, covering the plant surface with a black layer that interferes with the photosynthesis process.

To protect plantings, a complex approach must be used. Effective control methods include:

• Mechanical cleaning of bark to remove overwintering stages.
• Early spring treatments with mineral oil-based products.
• Spraying with systemic insecticides during the crawler emergence period.
• Encouraging natural predators such as lady beetles (Coccinellidae) and parasitic Hymenoptera.