This week, the question was: What is all over this peach tree limb?
This is an infestation of white peach scale. White peach scale isn’t terribly common to find, and when you do see it, it is usually concentrated on just a few trees within a much larger block. We don’t always see white peach scale because typical dormant oil spray applications care of them. Be mindful when applying oil and consider spot spraying in the field if timing or weather conditions are not optimal, as these factors can have an effect on efficacy. Typical spray programs consist of two dormant oil applications. If you missed an application, it may be good to spot spray. Flag limbs where scale is found so you can continue to monitor the area for crawler emergence later in the season.
This week’s question is from Sarah Scott, Midlands/Ridge fruit and vegetable Extension agent.
The South Carolina Grower 