Instead, double bag the cuttings and put them in your regular trash pickup. Soil quality and its use here in Arkansas. Introduced from China into the United States in 1747, they became even more common with the introduction of the Japanese crape myrtle in the 1950’s. Do not put them in a compost pile, or put them out on the curb for yard-waste pick-up. This video shows homeowners how to treat the scale and make their trees look good again. The crapemyrtle bark scale, drips honeydew, turns bark black, and reduces blooming on crapemyrtle. Bark scale originates from China and was brought to the U.S. in 2010. They are unmistakable as thousands of little bugs. eggs or crawlers under some of the larger white scale covers. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale. What’s wrong with my plants? Licensing for forestry and wildlife professionals. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstromiae(Kuwana), was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. Bloom color and bark characteristics as well as growth habit are species and variety specific.... Read more » This honeydew, in t… It is one of the only scales known to infest crape myrtles. When crushed, these scales exude pink “blood”-like liquid. Providing unbiased information to enable educated votes on critical issues. The Issue: Do you have crape myrtle bark scale? This can be a difficult pest to control and it may take m… Most new infestations have been found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. ... Arkansas Gardens (Arkansas Garden Center) is a full service locally owned and operated nursery located at 9511 Hwy 107 (JFK) in Sherwood, under continuous operation since 1957. Explore our research locations around the state. However, treatment is necessary. Hands-on activities in an outdoor setting. of New Orleans) in 2013. possibility that the millions of tiny crawlers could be easily spread to neighboring Since the initial sighting in 2004, the crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has Expanding your business by learning the language of government contracting. b����-%��D����U�r��`W�U��`}��\�Zğ@��U*%-�mJ�|��'��Q. What was once considered a plant-and-forget-it plant now has a new insect wreaking havoc. A heavy infestation Maintenance calendar, and best practices. The problem usually goes unnoticed until plants begin turning black with a fungus called sooty mold when it begins to grow on insect droppings. Native to Asia, CMBS was first noticed in a north Dallas, Texas, suburb in 2004. Is your county included in infestations? Controlling them requires a two-step approach each year. CMBS might be found anywhere on crepe myrtles bark, and often appears near pruning sites and branch crotches of more mature wood. It is suspected that Crapemyrtles, hydrangeas, hort glossary, and weed ID databases. To date we’ve not been able to show any crape myrtle tree death as a result of a bark scale infestation. Learn more from our fact sheet Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Insect Pest – FSA7086. A French mulberry or beautyberry — Callicarpa americana — is normally a pretty tough native plant, but it is a recognized host of the crape myrtle bark scale. The sooner you can catch the problem, Featured trees, vines, shrubs and flowers. Then treat with a systemic insecticide in. This is due to what is known as CMBS (Crapemyrtle Bark Scale). Crape myrtle bark scale is easy to identify because it’s the only scale insect that infests crape myrtles. CMBS might be able to overwinter in the adult female and egg life stages, and crawlers and later stage nymphs have been observed overwintering under the loose bark and in cracks and crevices of crapemyrtles in our area. Preparing for and recovering from disasters. Crape myrtle bark scale is a relatively recent pest that is affecting crepe myrtle trees in a growing area across the southeastern United States. If you are just now spotting the problem, you can clean off the trunk with warm, soapy At that time we speculated that it was a newly introduced species of Eriocccid scale from Asia called crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS). In one year, there could be at least two generations of CMBS. According to Texas AgriLife Extension, this harmful pest is newly introduced from the Far East. Retired after 38 years with the University of Arkansas … damage and not spreading. the easier and quicker the problem can be solved. Bark Scale along the branch of a Crape Myrtle. Using this information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming infested (Wang et al. Native to Asia, the crape scale bark scale first was reported in the United States during 2004 on crape myrtles in a landscape plant nursery in Richardson, Texas (Dallas County). Key Features Insect: Adult females produce a white, felt-like sac around their bodies. scale covers. The scale will NOT kill your trees but they reduce the amount and size of the blooms The clinic can help. Learn to ID unwanted plant and animal visitors. Crepe Myrtles (also spelled Crepemyrtle, Crapemyrtle or Crape Myrtle) are tough, deciduous, summer blooming trees. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale in Arkansas. The Issue: Do you have crape myrtle bark scale? Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale. properties, thus accelerating the spread of this invasive insect. They suck sap from the tree and then drip sticky honeydew on leaves and branches on which sooty mold grows. Keep our food, fiber and fuel supplies safe from disaster. Click for a hub of Extension resources related to the current COVID-19 situation. Heavy infestations of crapemyrtle bark scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, stems and bark of the tree. The crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, is a newly introduced insect pest of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia spp. The insect was first noted in America’s “crapemyrtle city”), in 2005 and had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by … Farm bill, farm marketing, agribusiness webinars, & farm policy. there may be at least two generations in Arkansas. Imports of crapemyrtle to … bark scale, and is cause for action. Based on regional climates in the U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread. Guiding entrepreneurs from concept to profit. Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food & Life Sciences. Get beekeeping, honey production, and class information. Coaxing the best produce from asparagus to zucchini. Heavy infestations of crape myrtle aphids can also cause trees to be covered with black sooty mold, but any crape myrtle that is covered with sooty mold should be carefully ex… iFZ�6+ӘV��-醆tM"��4�Oz�s��O�Pd+A��A��|�c�9��2c&��8�v���cݶq�+�5����A(
f���⇑�$]\M��G2|�y0t��0�w�e(�F�\F�u��[uP�S��[��&OR�QA���%�`��Sj;�? will result in white crusted clusters of insects which may blanket small stems and It is one of the only scales known to infest crape myrtles. On new growth and in heavy infestations, the scales may be distributed more uniformly on the branch (Figs. Since the initial sighting in 2004, the insect has been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southeast. Crepe myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia. h�21P0P���w�/�+Q0���L)�61 Most gardeners will be alerted to CMBS by black sooty mold which appears on the bark Crape myrtle bark scale is easy to identify because it’s the only scale insect that infests crape myrtles. problem—but do monitor all the crape myrtles in your yard. Black sooty mold can form on the trunks and leaves. When crushed, these scales exude pink “blood”-like liquid. As of spring 2018, crapemyrtle bark scale was reported in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. %PDF-1.6
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Adult females are felt-like white or gray encrustations that stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service last year began urging homeowners to keep an eye out for a new pest. Check it out. The scale is a sucking insect that feeds on the phloem (sap) of plants. Adult females are felt-like white or gray encrustations that stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. . As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as “honeydew” (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). Left exposed in an open truck or put on the curb for yard waste pickup leads to a This should Currently called ‘crapemyrtle bark scale’, this aggressive insect pest causes significant aesthetic issues for crapemyrtles. Crape myrtle bark scale insects are so densely packed onto this slender branch of crape myrtle that the best solution is to prune it off the tree.Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/JOHN SYKES JR. … Crape myrtle bark scale is showing up all across the southern half of Arkansas and now may be moving northward. The crape myrtle bark scale was first noticed in a Dallas suburb in 2004 and started its northern migration, spreading quickly across the South. Up close, CMBS is whit… kill many of the crawlers and adults, but won’t kill them all. Crape myrtle bark scale is an introduced insect pest from Asia, and it has a great affinity for crape myrtle trees. h�2�P0P0�T0�T����+�-��
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The eggs remain protected within the white colored ovisacs until the crawlers (immatures) hatch and disperse onto the branches. It’s important to keep a close eye on your crape myrtles. In addition to the colorful blooms, Crepe Myrtles provide winter interest through the bark, which may be smooth and pale or cinnamon colored and exfoliating. endstream
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Our programs include aquaculture, diagnostics, and energy conservation. Crape myrtle bark scale is relatively easy to identify. This sooty mold grows on a by-product Known scientifically as Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), it is a member of the bark or felt scale family (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). Find tactics for healthy livestock and sound forages. but unfortunately we can’t burn refuse in the city. Careful What else do you need to know? L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae) (Figure 1). The scale was reported Guiding communities and regions toward vibrant and sustainable futures. Systemic insecticides work very well to control the bark scale, but the timing is Specialty crops including turfgrass, vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. Since the initial sighting in 2004, the crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southeast. “The white dots are likely insects called crapemyrtle bark scales. – Now is a great time to check the health of your Crapemyrtles. be quite visible on the trunks. White Scale on Crepe Myrtles ... Arkansas Gardens (Arkansas Garden Center) is a full service locally owned and operated nursery located at 9511 Hwy 107 (JFK) in Sherwood, under continuous operation since 1957. Look at this map to find your county and please take a picture of the tree with symptoms and/or a sample in to your local county extension office. Adult females produce a white, felt-like sac around their bodies and lay approximately 100 to 300 pink eggs inside this sac. There is no need to do preventative treatment, so only treat a tree that has the insect (John Sykes Jr.) The University … Crape myrtle bark scale is relatively easy to iden- tify. It looks like a white speck stuck to the bark of a trunk or branch. Crape myrtle bark scale appears as white specks on the trunk. had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by 2010. Ask our experts plant, animal, or insect questions. If you get up close or use a magnifying glass, you is accompanied with white specks on the trunks or branches, that is the crape myrtle Eggs hatch into tiny pink crawlers, and the older The female’s body shrinks as eggs are pro-duced. The insect was first noted a sweet substance called honeydew. Wherever this honeydew lands, the stems, leaves most effective when applied in late winter/early spring. in Ardmore, Okla., and Shreveport, La., in 2012 and Houma, La. 411 0 obj
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As with most insects, there are several life stages and the appearance of CMBS changes with the stages. been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southeast. It has only been found on crape myrtles and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) in the US, but has been found on other species outside the US. examination may reveal dozens of pink eggs or crawlers under some of the larger white Most gardeners will be alerted to a problem when they see there is a sooty mold substance on the trees. 4 through 6). No need to remove your trees if you suspect infestation. Equipping individuals to lead organizations, communities, and regions. If that sooty mold It's easy to spot. The small CMBS males are winged and will fly to find females and to mate. will see that the adult is white to gray in color and there may be dozens of pink Crapemyrtle bark scales build shells over themselves so normal insecticides won’t kill them. Use virtual and real tools to improve critical calculations for farms and ranches. The insect was first noted in McKinney, Texas (self-designated as America’s “crapemyrtle city”), in 2005 and had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by … and trunk get very sticky and then a black sooty mold will form. Sooty mold alone is not a definite indication of CMBS, but if you also find white, felt-covered scales that bleed pink when punctured, you can be sure you have found crape myrtle bark scale. Once the mated females produce their ovisacs (egg-containing capsules) and lay eggs, they die. First seen in Northern Texas back in 2004, the Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) has now arrived in Arkansas.This pest has been spreading across the Southeast at an alarming rate from Texas and into Oklahoma, Louisiana, Tennessee and, finally, Arkansas. They have gray-to-white felt coating and the insects stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. Thousands of scales encrusting the bark will literally turn it white. Once all the leaves have fallen, saturate the tree with a dormant oil. They have gray-to-white felt coating and the insects stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. Up close, CMBS is white to gray in color and approximately 2 mm in length. A&M has identified this pest as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, and suspects that it was brought into the U.S. on a crape myrtle plant. Making sound choices for families and ourselves. Commercial row crop production in Arkansas. 2016). crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS). If you are just now spotting black sooty mold on your crape myrtle trees you can clean and the sooty mold makes them less attractive. Each female lays about 60 to 250 eggs, which may over-winter within their ovisacs, and then hatch during mid- to late April to May. Gaining garden smarts and sharing skills. Send our experts a photo and ask for their advice. Increase your knowledge of public issues & get involved. Crape myrtle bark scale is an insect pest of crape myrtle, one of the most popular flowering shrubs in the U.S. The presence of sooty mold may confuse the diagnosis since that is also commonly Often times, the first sign of CMBS is the black sooty mold on the tree bark. off the trunk with warm, soapy water to remove the black sooty mold. Treatment for crape myrtle bark scale begins with scrubbing the black sooty mold off the trunk with warm soapy water. Pick up know-how for tackling diseases, pests and weeds. These crape myrtles are more cold hardy, resistant to powdery mildew, and have a reddish-brown bark … If you have small limbs which are heavily infested prune them off and dispose of them. Private, Commercial & Non-commercial training and education. They are unmistakable as thousands of little bugs. Crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, belongs to a special group of scale insects known as felt scales. Since 2013, in the city of Germantown, there has been a suspicious decrease in the health and appearance of one of the South’s ubiquitous flowering tree species, the crepe myrtle. associated with a significant aphid problem. In a perfect world, burning the debris would be the best way to eradicate the pest, Since first detected in Texas in 2004, this pest has spread to 12 states, including Arkansas, … Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a relatively new insect found principally on crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia) across the Southeast. Many people who call us describe their trees as covered in white dots, or white cotton like bumps. It is currently the only bark scale known to feed on crape myrtle in the US. (60 miles southwest If left undetected or untreated, the CMBS will spread rapidly. )�I�D��T��$���� �.V
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Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale (let’s call it CMBS) is a small insect that appears as a white or gray felt-like encrustation. Research-based connection to government and policy issues. Herbs, native plants, & reference desk QA. Crape myrtles are a common sight in East Texas. of sucking insects including scale and aphids. water to remove the black sooty mold. Since then, it spread rapidly. Today, thanks to help from researchers from the University of Arkansas and the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection service, we are a little closer to confirming those suspicions. If you live in the Mid-South, you most likely have a crepe myrtle in your yard or … As these insects feed, they give off Th… hެ�[O�F�A��rS����$��Kj;@��g��M��/`����ێ�4�Lw��1Kg��t�t��s9��e�ɸk1�a��0Ocn��[���x�a1]S�u`1n�\��ewt��uE&}fsl�ȃ$�n(�k�W�2�(n�����a&q0d:�:��lȴ?5N�����|��\R�)����k�t�������7��O�~��e�N6�q�ݥ��\�`���V"���w�6b.�; �HRFSJ��iB)-ȧ3z��.hN[ Heavy infestations of crape myrtle bark scale are easy to spot and identify. 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