Mulberry fluted scale

Systematic position. The mulberry fluted scale (Pulvinaria kuwacola) belongs to the order Hemiptera and the family Coccidae (soft scales). This species is a sap-sucking pest characterized by its ability to colonize woody plants, causing significant physiological stress to its hosts through nutrient depletion.

Host plants. The primary hosts for this insect are trees from the Moraceae family, specifically mulberry species (Morus spp.). Due to its specific feeding habits, it can become a major concern in mulberry plantations and urban landscapes where these trees are planted as ornamentals.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle involves eggs laid within white, cotton-like ovisacs secreted by the adult females. Following the egg stage, the first-instar nymphs, known as crawlers, emerge and move across the plant tissue to find suitable feeding sites on branches or leaves. The pest often overwinters in the nymphal or adult female stage depending on local climatic conditions.

Damage and economic impact. The feeding activity of the mulberry fluted scale leads to plant wilting, chlorosis, and stunted growth. A critical secondary problem is the excretion of honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. This layer of fungus restricts gas exchange and photosynthesis, significantly reducing the vigor of the host plant.

Control measures. Integrated pest management strategies include:

• Application of systemic insecticides during the peak crawler emergence period.
• Dormant oil sprays in late winter to target overwintering females.
• Pruning and destroying heavily infested branches to reduce the inoculum.
• Monitoring pest populations to ensure timely intervention before the formation of dense ovisacs.