Latin name: Coccus hesperidum Linnaeus
The brown soft scale is a frequent pest that targets many indoor and greenhouse plants. Its range of hosts is diverse, from resilient fig trees and Schefflera to delicate English ivy and various species of citrus plants. This pest poses a significant threat to the health and aesthetics of these plants, often leading to horticultural distress if left unchecked.
These insects have an identifiable appearance. Adults are oval with a flattened body, showing a colour spectrum of yellow to brown. They prefer to inhabit the surfaces of leaves, stems, and petioles, where they remain until they are manually removed or treated with pest control measures. Their presence can be easily noticed due to their distinctive form and the damage they leave in their wake.
As these pests consume plant sap, they secrete a sticky, shiny substance known as honeydew. This excretion coats the foliage, creating a glossy layer that can attract further nuisances, such as sooty mould, which thrives on the honeydew. Sooty mould not only mars the appearance of the plants with its blackened fungi but can also interfere with photosynthesis, potentially leading to irreversible damage. Effective treatment options, such as insecticidal soaps or horticultural oils, are crucial to mitigate the issue; however, consistent application is necessary to achieve full control over an infestation of brown soft scale.
SOLUTIONS:
- Systemic: Apparent Cocky
- Slow release: Initiator Tablets
- Contact: White Oil Spray
