The effect of the growth regulator Appluad and some chemical insecticides for the control of wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (L.) on fig trees in north of Iraq

Abstract

The wax scale Ceroplastes rusci (L.) (Coccidae: Homoptera ) is considered the most important pest on fig trees in northern region of Iraq. Heavy infestation may cause harmful damage leading to decreased quantity and quality of fruit production.Several studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of the growth regulator Appluad and some chemical insecticides to control this pest in the region. Results indicated that the use of mineral oil was very useful during winter and early Spring .However, negative effect was occurred with the increasing tempreture.The best results were obtained with the growth regulator Applaud. This insecticide was very effective against all stages of the pest at rate of 1.5gm/L. The use of the insecticide Actara applied as spray at rate of 100 mg/L or as soil treatment at rate of 250mg/tree resulted also in very effective control .Application of Polo resulted in a good control in Spring but it showed negative effect on trees with the increasing of temperature. Therefor, it is recommend to use the mineral oil on wintering stage fallowed by the insecticides Actara and Applaud that can be used alternatively in an integrated management for the control of wax scale insect on fig trees in northern region of Iraq.