Magnolia Scale Forecast

Magnolia scale is a pest native to the Eastern United States that affects magnolia trees and tulip trees. They cause stress to their host trees by removing sap which can lead to yellowing leaves, twig dieback, and even death.

Magnolia Scale Current Day Forecast

Magnolia Scale Six-Day Forecast

WHAT ARE PHENO FORECASTS?

Pheno Forecast maps predict key life cycle stages in invasive and pest species, to improve management efficacy.  For insect pest species, Pheno Forecasts are based on published growing degree day (GDD) thresholds for key points in species life cycles. These key points typically represent life cycle stages when management actions are most effective. These maps are updated daily and available 6 days in the future.

Help us improve these maps! Our Pheno Forecast map products are still in development, and we seek input on their performance in your area. Give your feedback at the bottom of the page.

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Sign up to be notified by email approximately two weeks and again six days ahead of key growing degree day thresholds for species of interest at your location

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Credits: John .A. Davidson, University of Maryland via Bugwood.org
An adult magnolia scale insect is shown on a branch.

SPECIES BACKGROUND

Native to the eastern U.S., magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) specializes on magnolia trees and tulip trees and is one of the largest soft scale insects in North America, reaching up to 0.5 inches in length.  The scale spends the winter as small dark nymphs, but during the spring they begin to feed, grow, and change color to a brown-purple color. Crawlers emerge after hatching internally from adults in late summer into early fall. This is the stage when the insects are most vulnerable to treatment. 

Credits: Lorraine Graney, Bartlett Tree Experts via Bugwood.org
Many magnolia scale crawlers are shown on a branch.

CRAWLER FORECAST

We forecast crawler emergence based on growing degree days. Treatments are often applied when crawlers emerge from their eggs and before they develop their protective waxy coating. For specific information on preferred treatment options in your region, we recommend contacting your local extension agent.  Additional treatment resources are available through the Morton Arboretum and Penn State Extension.

EXPLORE THIS FORECAST

Learn more about this forecast using our visualization tool!

 EXPLORE FORECAST

Phenophase

GDD threshold

Base temp

Start date

GDD method

Model origin

Source

Crawler emergence

1938oF

50oF

Jan 1

Double sine

MI

Herms (2004)

More information on map development and re-use policy.

TRACK THIS SPECIES WITH NATURE'S NOTEBOOK

 

You can help verify this forecast by checking trees for this species and reporting your findings in Nature’s Notebook via the Pest Patrol campaign. Your observations will help scientists better understand when this species is active and susceptible to treatment.

 

Learn more about Pest Patrol

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Give us your feedback on our Pheno Forecast maps

Have you used our Pheno Forecast maps to plan treatment activities, or to know when to search for pests of interest? Do you have a suggestion of another species for which a forecast would help you make decisions? We'd love to hear about it!

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