Stem infestation/damage by mussel scale

  Heavy infestations of mussel scale on the bark and stems of apple trees can cause loss of production. The main economic damage from scale insects is fruit infection near the calyx or stem end, accompanied by fruit discolouration. However, unlike most other scale insects, mussel scale does not cause these red marks on the fruit. Stem infestation by tiny scale insects may appear to be a change in stem texture until examined closely.

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