Detection of Protopulvinaria pyriformis (Pyriform scale) in Western Australia

Publication Date

Wed, 03 May 2017, 23:27

Last Updated

May 3, 2017, 11:27 p.m.

Report Number

AUS-82/1

Country

Australia

Pest Id

Protopulvinaria pyriformis - (PROPPY)

Report Status

Final

Hosts

Protopulvinaria pyriformis has a wide host range of more than 100 species across 34 plant families including: Anacardiaceae: Anacardium, Mangifera Apocynaceae: Neurium Araliaceae: Hedera Caesalpiniaceae: Bauhinia Cannaceae: Canna Convolvulaceae: Ipomoea Lauraceae: Cinnamomum, Laurus, Persea Malvaceae: Hibiscus Moraceae: Ficus Musaceae: Musa Myrtaceae: Eucalyptus, Myrtus, Psidium, Syzigium Orchidaceae: Cymbidium, Vanilla Passifloraceae: Passiflora Rubiaceae: Coffea, Gardenia Rutaceae: Choysia, Citrus Theaceae: Camellia

Pest Status (old values from ISPM 8 -1998 )

• Present: only in some areas

Pest Status (ISPM 8 - 2021)

• Present: not widely distributed and under official control

Geographical Distribution

Perth, Western Australia

Summary

Protopulvinaria pyriformis is polyphagous but infestations in Australia are restricted to ornamental Hedera (Ivy) grown as amenity plants. Pyriform scales have a pear shaped body surrounded by a white waxy fringe. They feed on the underside of the leaves and secrete a clear, sugary liquid known as honeydew. Damage is caused by pyriform scales feeding on plant sap and impacting the plants’ nutrient uptake. Infestations of pyriform scale on plants can result in reduced vigour, leaf drop and reduction in size and quality of fruit. It can also result in the growth of black sooty mould on leaves which blocks sunlight and minimises energy available to the plant.

Danger

Protopulvinaria pyriformis has been detected at a limited number of properties in Perth, with all infestations on Hedera (Ivy). Protopulvinaria pyriformis is a particularly economically important pest of the avocado industry and a pest of a number of other horticultural and ornamental plants. These include: Mango, avocado, citrus, banana, guava, passionfruit, pomegranate, papaya, eucalyptus, hibiscus, gardenia, ivy, myrtle, laurels, paperplant and frangipani. Given the spread of Protopulvinaria pyriformis it is considered not technically feasible to eradicate.

Contact for info

Australian Chief Plant Protection Officer Australian Government Department of Agriculture GPO Box 858 Canberra ACT 2601 [email protected]

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