High-Pressure Water Technology to Control San Jose Scale (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Apple Crops

Abstract

Quadraspidiotus perniciosus (Comstock) known as San Jose scale is one of the most destructive apple pests in the world. San Jose scale damage all parts of the apple crop throughout the year. The research was conducted to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of High-Pressure Water (HPW) to manage San Jose scale and the impact on non-target arthropods of apple crop. The observation of San Jose scale population at 24 plants was conducted every day. The observation of non-target arthropods was done visually with a radius of 1.5 meters, then identified up to family level. In addition, it was observed the effect of HPW to the apple crop by observing morphological and physiological changes of the stems on apple crop. The result showed the combination of HPW to the population of San Jose scale significantly different from controls (Pesticide application). Initial population of San Jose scale before application were 100-200 individuals, after application became 0-10 individuals, whereas the control population remained higher. Non target arthropods diversities increased after the application of HPW. Non target arthropods were consisted of 17% pests, 38% detrivor, 23% pollinators, 4% parasitoids, and 18% predators. High Pressure Water did not have negative effect on apple crop.