Effective San Jose Scale control in cherry orchards: strategies and timing

13 Aug 2025
1331

As the first intervention of the season against San José Scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus) in cherry orchards, it is necessary to carry out a preventive treatment, as eradicating this pest from orchards is very difficult and may take several seasons.

One of the many consequences of climate change is the variation in the timing of appearance, migrations, and intensity of attacks of various pests.

In the specific case of San José Scale, it is necessary to act early in the season with the aim of inhibiting the metamorphosis of the juvenile stages and the subsequent emergence of adults, thus achieving timely control and preventing the pest’s proliferation.

Late-winter treatment for Scale control

It is recommended to apply the treatment between July 25 and, at the latest, August 10.

The treatment must be carried out with a high spray volume, as this scale insect shelters in the wood: coverage must therefore be complete and uniform across the entire plant.

The application should be made on dry wood and with a rain-free period of at least 24 hours, since the control is mainly by contact.

Practical considerations

Ensure that the product coverage is excellent and even throughout the tree; the product must have good contact with the wood, where the insect hides.

In orchards with high pest pressure, it is recommended to go over the upper third of the canopy with a lance (pitón), where the highest infestation is generally concentrated.

San José Scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus

Opening image credit: John A. Davidson, University Maryland

Patricio Morales
AgroAsesoria (Cile)


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

How gum-based coatings combined with ultrasound treatment can affect sour cherries quality

Quality

16 Jan 2024

Pretreatments (such as ultrasound) and edible coatings are used to reduce processing time and/or preserve the quality of food products. Experimental data of drying curves were adapted to various widely used models.

Icoel: ‘With Tomra the interconnection between processing machines is at its best’

Post-harvest​

10 Sep 2024

‘Our engineers and Tomra's work in close collaboration,’ says Bruno Stravato, ’it is in fact a co-design, for the projects we share. The machinery is complementary and the customer dialogues with us as if we were one company'.

In evidenza

Dynamics and Strategies of Emerging Countries in Global Cherry Production

Production

14 Nov 2025

The global cherry market is expanding rapidly: Turkey, Chile and Uzbekistan are leading the growth in both production and exports. Focus on agronomic performance, international trade, and key destination markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Drones and sensors: how technological innovation makes cherries more appealing

Tech management

14 Nov 2025

In Chile, a cutting-edge system of sensors, drones and AI is transforming cherry farming: real-time monitoring, maturity forecasting and optimized orchard management using predictive models tested in productive fields. A digital future for cherry growers.

Tag Popolari