Chemical control of armored scale, Aulacaspis sp. infesting seabuckthorn in high altitude regions of north west Himalayas

Abstract

Worldwide, armored scale infestations are hitherto unreported to occur on seabuckthorn (Hippophae L.) a wonderful natural nitrogen fixer and a storehouse of many useful antioxidant compounds grown commercially in many countries. However, heavy infestations of an armored scale (Aulacaspis sp.) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) cause havoc in the natural seabuckthorn stands flourishing in North West Himalayan regions. Its scientific cultivation in these cold deserts can immensely benefit the tribal inhabitants economically and be useful in preserving the fragile ecosystem provided armored scale infestations are effectively controlled. Results of present investigations aimed at controlling this armored scale indicated that two sprays of azadirachtin rich neembaan 10000 ppm (10 ml/L)/ agro spray oil S (10 ml/L)/ imidacloprid 70% WG (0.2 g/L)/ deltamethrin 1% + triazophos 35 EC (2 ml/L)/ thiamethoxam 25% WG (0.5 g/L) at 10 days interval initiated within 48 h after crawler emergence effectively controlled the crawlers and prevented colonization of new shoots. Thus, it was concluded that these insecticides could be used judiciously and rotated prudently to prolong their utility by delaying the possibility of resistance development by armored scale crawlers.