Cottony cushion scale infestation on acacia trees

In 1994-95, Icerya purchasi was found infesting Acacia cyanophylla [A. saligna] (a multipurpose tree that suits the agroforestry system) in Ethiopia for the first time. Treatment with pirimiphos-methyl failed to control the infestation, and all 4 young trees (age 4 years) that were affected died. Throughout the infestation, a large population of ants was attending the infested trees. Observations for natural enemies of the margarodid revealed few predatory coccinellids and few parasitoids. Prospects for control are discussed.