Fighting Kiwi Mealybug: Symptoms, Prevention and Professional Solutions

The white mulberry scale insect, scientifically known as Pseudaulacaspis pentagona , is a harmful pest that is increasingly worrying kiwi growers in France. This insect pest can cause significant damage, compromising both productivity and crop quality.

In this article, we'll examine the symptoms of infestation, best prevention practices, and control methods. For affected growers, Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, offers professional solutions tailored to replenish your orchards and restart your production.

Identification and Symptoms of the White Mulberry Scale

Characteristics of the insect

• Adult females: Oval, yellowish-white, measuring 2 to 2.5 mm, attached to twigs and branches.
• Adult males: Smaller, orange and winged, with a wingspan of about 1.4 mm.
• Larvae: Males have an elongated shield, while females resemble miniature adults.

Visible signs on the plants

On the leaves

• Light spots.
• Sticky honeydew that makes leaves shiny and attracts pests like ants.
• Yellowing and complete drying of the foliage in case of severe infestation.

On the twigs and branches

• Deposits of gray or brown opercula on the bark.
• White, downy appearance caused by clumping of adult males.
• Branches that gradually dry out under intense attack.

On fruits and flowers

• Deformation of flowers.
• Visible puncture marks and areas of necrosis on the fruit, affecting their commercial quality.

Damage Caused by the White Mulberry Scale

The impact of this pest on kiwi plants is serious and can include:

• General weakening: Plants become vulnerable, reducing their vigor and ability to produce quality fruit.
• Loss of foliage: The fall of leaves hinders the process of photosynthesis.
• Fruit deformation: Pitted fruits have abnormalities, reducing their market value.
• Branch Dieback: Prolonged infestation can lead to twig death and total plant decline.

To limit these losses, it is essential to purchase robust and suitable kiwi plants , available from Kiwiverse to replace affected plants and secure your future harvests.

Prevention: Essential Cultural Practices

Regular monitoring

Inspect your orchards frequently for early signs of infestation.

Cleaning and pruning

• Remove infected parts: Prune affected branches and burn them away from crops to prevent spread.
• Tool maintenance: Disinfect your tools after each use to limit the transmission of parasites.

Promotion of auxiliaries

• Attract ladybugs, titmice and other natural predators by planting honey-producing hedges.
• Maintain biodiversity zones around orchards for a balanced ecosystem.

High pressure watering

During winter, use a pressurized water jet (20-30 bars) to clean the trunks and branches of scale insects and their larvae.

Biological Control of the White Mulberry Scale Insect

Natural auxiliaries

• Predatory ladybugs: For example, Rhizobius lophantae , very effective against scale insects.
• Parasitoids: Insects such as Ericydnus sipylus which directly parasitize scale insects.

Mechanical methods

• Wash the trunks with a jet of water to eliminate mealybug populations.
• Temporarily retain infested branches to encourage intervention by natural predators.

Conventional Control: A Rapid and Targeted Response

Winter treatments

Winter oils: These products suffocate adult scale insects and their larvae when applied to trunks and branches.

Targeted chemical treatments

• Optimal timing: Apply treatments during larval swarming (L1 stage), when they are most vulnerable.
• Approved products: Use specific pesticides in accordance with official recommendations.

Business Solutions for Impacted Producers

If your orchards are seriously affected by the white mealybug, Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, can help you quickly regenerate your crops.

Why choose Kiwiverse?

• Wide range of plants: We offer grafted plants, in pots or in cells, suitable for all your plots.
• Competitive prices: Take advantage of attractive prices to buy kiwi plants in large quantities.
• Personalized technical advice: Our kiwi experts help you select the best varieties and rootstocks.
• Fast and careful delivery: Received within 15 days, directly to your farm.

Order today

• Plant or relaunch your orchard with professional quality plants.
• Contact us for a personalized quote and receive a response within 48 hours.
• Get expert advice on designing an orchard resilient to pest threats.

FAQs

How to identify an early white mealybug infestation?

Inspect leaves for light spots, sticky honeydew, and gray or white gill covers on branches.

What are the most effective biological treatments?

Predatory ladybugs such as Rhizobius lophantae and natural parasitoids such as Ericydnus sipylus are very effective.

Does white mealybug affect other crops?

Yes, it can also affect mulberry, peach, pear and gooseberry trees.

Can infestations be prevented without chemicals?

Absolutely, with good management of auxiliaries, regular pruning and appropriate cultural practices.

What are your delivery times for kiwi plants?

We guarantee fast and careful delivery within 15 days, anywhere in France.

What types of kiwi plants do you offer?

We offer a wide range of grafted plants, in pots or in cells, adapted to the needs of professional producers.

Conclusion

The white mulberry scale insect poses a serious threat to kiwi crops. Proactive management, combining prevention, biological solutions, and targeted treatments, is essential to protect your orchards.

With Kiwiverse, a wholesale supplier of kiwi plants, you benefit from comprehensive support to replenish your orchards and restart your production. Purchasing certified kiwi plants from Kiwiverse is the key to ensuring abundant and sustainable harvests. Contact us today for a free quote and personalized advice!