SCALE ON COCONUT PALM

[tpr1967]

Hi Guys I have a question is it ok to use Malathion oil on a Coconut palm to control scale? If not can you please suggest other methods to control scale. Thank you.

 

 

Tom

Edited March 26, 2017 by tpr1967

[PalmatierMeg]

How big is it? Planted or potted? If it is small, malathion should work. If it is potted, you can spread used coffee grounds around the stem, also spray with diluted coffee. Cheaper than buying insecticides. If it is large and planted, I suggest you treat with imidacloprid. It is sold as a liquid concentrate (12%) by Bayer. You dilute it in water and pour it around the trunk. Better and cheaper in the long run is to get Merit powder (75%). You add 1/4 tsp to 2.5 gal water and drench the root zone. One bottle makes 100 gal. It's not usually sold in big box stores but can be found on the internet for ~$40 plus shipping. Well worth it if you have a lot of plants with pests.

[tpr1967]

Thank you for your reply. It's a 19' planted Maypan it has Scale and I also found some aphids today. I will look up these Insecticides.

[Las Palmas Norte]

I believe Malathion was banned years ago in my area. I have some left over from back then an use it ultra sparingly.

Cheers.

[PalmatierMeg]

I would go with the imidacloprid, whether Bayer or Merit, and drench the root zone. I don't know if scale and aphids on a palm that large are worth getting worked up about - not sure if they can do serious harm to a healthy palm. My Sabals all have some degree of scale but are not bothered by them. White fly, esp the invasive spiraling white fly, is a more destructive pest of coconuts. I treat my half dozen coconuts with Merit for white fly. You should probably treat your palm with imidacloprid just to discourage that. You should re-treat every few months.