The Red Wax Scale Ceroplastes
rubens (Coccidae) has
occurred only once in the history of PNGs forestry,
restricted to Bulolo only. Ceroplastes rubens,
also affecting Citrus spp. releases large
quantities of honey dew. The sooty-mould growing on these
sweet secretions densely covers the surface of the
needles so that the light absorption by the leaves is
restricted resulting in defoliation and loss of height
increment. Ceroplastes prefers particular clones
of Pinus caribaea, but can be also found on other Pinus
species. The infestation usually is more severe in the
upper crown and less severe in the middle and lower parts
of the crown. |

Ceroplastes rubens scales
on Pinus caribaea
(reproduced from Merrifield, L.E.
and Howcroft, N.H.S., 1975)
|