The first large peak of San Jose scale crawler activity is right around the corner. With the heat, the crawlers have been active for a few weeks, but we are now starting to collect considerable numbers of crawlers on the double-sided tapes on our un-treated research trees in Fort Valley, GA.

Closeup of a San Jose crawler on double-sided tape.

The increasing numbers of crawlers means that the first peak emergence of scale crawlers in middle Georgia is expected to occur within the next several days, and thus is it time to start considering management options. Check trees in blocks with a known history of scale issues. Visually expect limbs for live scale and/or wrap a branch with a strip of electrical tape plus a strip of double sided tape around that (see image below).

Monitoring San Jose scale crawlers with double-sided tape

 

If crawlers are found and are still active, consider management with Esteem (6 oz) or Centaur (34.5 oz). Since we are targeting the first peak crawler activity, Venerate XC (2 qt applied twice over 7 day period; 4 qt total), is an alternative option.

But, if the crawlers have already settled and/or cannot find active crawlers in a block with a history of scale, it may be best to treat with Movento (6-9 fl oz). Note that Movento should be applied once the trees have substantial leaf area, flushing new growth, and should be tank mixed with an adjuvant that has spreading and penetrating properties.

As always, check out the management guide for more detailed recommendations. And don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions.

 

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