Truth (and Myth) about Cycad Aulacaspis Scale

[virtualpalm]

I am starting this new topic at the moderator's request. Since my earlier post on this subject (in another topic) has been deleted, it would be difficult for me to repeat exactly what I wrote about the introduction of Cycad Aulacaspis Scale (known by some as Asian Cycad Scale) into the U.S. and around the world. It may also be somewhat redundant for those of you who were able to read it before it was removed. Therefore, rather than try to rewrite what I wrote before, it may actually be better to simply begin this thread by directing anyone who is interested in learning the truth (and dispelling the myths) about CAS to my "Cycad Aulacaspis Scale Information Page," which is housed on the website of the IUCN/SSC Cycad Specialist Group (CSG) website at the following URL:

http://www.cycadsg.org/pages/CAS.htm

This page represents a clearinghouse of information pertaining to CAS that I have been able to gather over the past several years and contains more information on this pest than any other resource in the world that I am aware of. If, after visiting the page referenced above, you still have any questions about this pest, I would be more than happy to address them here.

Respectfully yours,
Jody Haynes
Chair, CSG Invasive Pests Subgroup

[Knnn]

Thanks Jody, great info!

I'm just bringing forward the link to using coffee grounds for anyone who might not have seen it

http://www.cycadsg.org/publications/CAS ... Coffee.pdf



Steve

[virtualpalm]

Thanks, Steve. That is a great article. I will also bring forward the link to an article that I wrote back in the December 2005 issue of the Cycad Newsletter entitled "Cycad Aulacaspis Scale: A Global Perspective" -- which provides a good overview of the introduction of the pest, its worldwide spread, and various control efforts to date. Of course, it is a bit out of date, but I have numerous updates on the CAS Information Page posted previously.

http://www.cycadsg.org/publications/CAS/TCS-Haynes.pdf

Jody

[oppalm]

WOW, Jody your first link provides a ton of great information. Obviously some very dedicated research. Thanks.

[Kansas]

Just to let you all know, I put "Starbuck's" free coffee grounds on my cycads and have NO problem at all with scale.

[oppalm]

I wonder if we (zone pushers) would have any problems with scale because our plants are not going to be exposed to others with problems and our winters are going to kill spores, etc. I realize the plant could be sold with scale and we would then bring it into our homes and the scale could damage other palnts. Wonder if anybody in zone 7 or lower (north) has ever had a cycad with scale ? I began using coffee grounds a year or so ago on all my cycads. Come to think of it I drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day and I personally have never had scale either, so maybe it works on humans too.

[virtualpalm]

I wonder if we (zone pushers) would have any problems with scale because our plants are not going to be exposed to others with problems and our winters are going to kill spores, etc. I realize the plant could be sold with scale and we would then bring it into our homes and the scale could damage other palnts. Wonder if anybody in zone 7 or lower (north) has ever had a cycad with scale ? I began using coffee grounds a year or so ago on all my cycads. Come to think of it I drink 2-3 cups of coffee a day and I personally have never had scale either, so maybe it works on humans too.

Kent, I have heard reliable reports of infested plants being sent to individuals up north (knowningly or not, I cannot say). This insect would definitely not survive the winter outdoors up there, so you would never have to worry about it being a problem if it ever escaped into the landscape. However, it could be problemmatic in a greenhouse or on plants kept indoors during the winter. It is always a good idea to buy plants from a reputable source, to closely inspect each plant upon arrival, and to treat any potential problems immediately. Top-dressing with coffee grounds, or incorporating grounds into the soil mix, is also a good preventative measure -- while also providing additional nutritional benefits to the plants.

Hope this helps.

Jody

[lucky1]

Jody, I think this is the previous discussion link.
http://www.palmsnorth.com/forum/viewtop ... sc&start=0
We did tend to wander around the scale topic, but your suggestions are in the link.

When we discussed this last winter, I did what Jody suggested, and Tom Broome's article was extremely informative.
I dumped coffee grounds on the growing tip of my two sagos, then when I repotted them a month later, I mixed a lot of coffee grounds into the new soil because scale infects the cycad below the soil surface too.

I'm not sure my Sagos had scale but they look great today, due to coffee's other benefits (pH adjustment probably).

That Global Perspective paper is very interesting.

Barb

[virtualpalm]

I am glad you found the information useful, Barb. That was the goal of making it widely available.

Jody

[lucky1]

It was more than helpful...ended up giving me more confidence!

Thanks again, Jody (and Tom)
Barb