Extension Publications
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, and Gu, M. (2020). Biology and Management of the Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: Landscape and Nursery Growers. EHT-146. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Chong, J, Coyle, D. (2020). Managing crapemyrtle bark scale infestations in urban landscapes and nurseries. Clemson (SC): Clemson Cooperative Extension, Land-Grant Press by Clemson Extension; 2020. LGP 1044.
https://lgpress.clemson.edu/publication/managing-crapemyrtle-bark-scale-infestations-in-urban-landscapes-and-nurseries/
Gu, M. (2018). Alternative hosts of crapemyrtle bark scale. http://www.agrilifebookstore.org/Alternative-Hosts-of-Crapemyrtle-Bark-Scale-p/eht-103.htm
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale: A New Exotic Pest.
http://agrilife.org/citybugstest/files/2010/05/EHT-049-Crape-myrtle-bark-scale.pdf
Louisiana State University, AgCenter. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale.
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/files/crape-myrtle-bark-scale-fact-sheet.pdf
University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture Research & Extension. Crapemyrtle bark scale: a new insect pest.
https://www.uaex.edu/publications/PDF/fsa-7086.pdf
Mississippi State University Extension. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control.
https://extension.msstate.edu/sites/default/files/publications/publications/p2938.pdf
Trade Magazines/Articles
Xie, R., B. Wu, H. Qin, and M. Gu. (2021). Summary of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Hosts, TNLA Working for You February 5, 2021, by Texas Nursery & Landscape Association
Gu, M. and B. Wu. (2020). Crapemyrtle bark scale brought him business. TNLA GREEN Mar/Apr:18.
Gu, M. and B. Wu. (2019). Beautyberry again! CMBS in Kansas and South Caroline. TNLA GREEN Nov/Dec:18-19.
Gu, M. (2019). Crapemyrtle bark scale and beautyberry. TNLA GREEN Sep/Oct:20-21.
Gu, M. (2018). My 2 cents on crapemurder. TNLA GREEN July/Aug:25-26.
Gu, M. (2018). Update on crapemyrtle bark scale. TNLA GREEN Mar/April:23-24.
Gu, M. (2017). Would it affect bees? TNLA GREEN Mar/April:23-24.
Robbins, J., J. Hopkins, M. Gu, M. Merchant and E. Vafaie. (2016). We hate to report that ‘crapemyrtle bark scale’ is here. VNLA Newsletter 86(4):32-34.
Vafaie, E. (2017). Crapemyrtle bark scale update. TNLA Green Magazine, March/April 2017. http://www.tnlaonline.org/tnla-green-magazine.html
Chen et al. (2017). Crapemyrtle bark scale management updates. Louisiana AgCenter. http://www.lsuagcenter.com/articles/page1508343389870
Gu, M. (2014). Crape myrtle bark scale. Nursery Management, February 2014. https://greenviion.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/nurserymag-cmbs.pdf
Academic Publications
Xie, R., B. Wu, M. Gu, S. Jones, J. Robbins, A. Szalanski, H. Qin. (2021). Confirmation of New Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) Hosts (Spiraea and Callicarpa) through DNA Barcoding, HortScience. 2021 Nov 12;1(aop):1-3. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI16151-21
Wu, B., R. Xie, G. Knox, H. Qin, and M. Gu. (2021). Evaluating Beautyberry and Fig species as Potential Hosts of Invasive Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), HortTechnology (In press).
Marwah, P., Y. Zhang, and M. Gu. 2021. “Investigating Producers’ Preferences for Crapemyrtle and Their Perceptions Regarding Crapemyrtle Bark Scale” Horticulturae 7, no. 6: 146. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae7060146
Wu, B., R. Xie, G.W. Knox, H. Qin and M. Gu. (2021). Host suitability for crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) differ significantly among crapemyrtle species. Insects 2021, 12(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12010006.
Xie, R., Wu, B., Dou, H., Liu, C., Knox, G. W., Qin, H., Gu, M. (2020). Feeding preference of crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) on different species. Insects, 11: 1 – 15.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/11/7/399
Gilder, K., K.E. Masloski, J.B. Woolley, M. Gu, M.E. Merchant, and K.M. Heinz. 2020. Discovery of a non-native parasitoid, Marlattiella prima Howard (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) and its non-native host, Lopholeucaspis japonica Cockerell (Hemiptera, Diaspididae) in Central Texas. J. Hymenoptera Research 77:213-217.
Gilder, K. A., Gu, M., Merchant, M., & Heinz, K. M. (2020). Field comparison of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale infestations between ‘Natchez’ and Non-‘Natchez’ cultivars. 2020 SNA Research Conference Proceedings. 64: 22- 24.
Gilder, K.A., Gu, M., Merchant, M., & Heinz, K.M. (2020). Field Comparison of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Infestations between ‘Natchez’ and Non- ‘Natchez’ Cultivars. 2012 SNA Research Conference Proceedings. 64: 22-24.
Vafaie, E., Merchant, M., Xiaoya, C., Hopkins, J. D., Robbins, J. A., Chen, Y., Gu, M. (2020). Seasonal population patterns of a new scale pest, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae kuwana (Hemiptera: Sternorrhynca: Eriococcidae), of crapemyrtles in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Journal of Environmental Horticulture, 38(1): 8 – 14.
https://hrijournal.org/doi/full/10.24266/0738-2898-38.1.8
Hicks, V., Gilder, K., Heinz, M. (2019). Active predators of crapemyrtle bark scale. SNA Research Conference, 63: 198 – 201.
https://sna.org/resources/Documents/19resprosec10.pdf
Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Diaz, R. (2019). Temperature-Dependent Development and Host Range of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae(Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). Florida Entomologist, 102(1):181-186.
https://bioone.org/journals/florida-entomologist/volume-102/issue-1/024.102.0129/Temperature-Dependent-Development-and-Host-Range-of-Crapemyrtle-Bark-Scale/10.1653/024.102.0129.full
Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Diaz, R. (2019). Thermal tolerance and prediction of Northern distribution of the crapemyrtle bark scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). Environmental Entomology, nvz019.
https://academic.oup.com/ee/advance-article/doi/10.1093/ee/nvz019/5374726
Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Diaz, R., Laine, R. A. (2019). Physiology of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstromiae (Kuwana), associated with seasonally altered cold tolerance. Journal of Insect Physiology, 112: 1-8.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022191018300866
Vafaie, E. (2019). Bark and Systemic Insecticide Control of Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) on Potted Crapemyrtles, 2017. Arthropod Management Tests, 44(1): tsy109.
https://academic.oup.com/amt/article/44/1/tsy109/5281037
Merchant, M., Garcia, J., Gu, M. (2018). Longevity of imidacloprid as a soil treatment for crapemyrtle bark scale on crapemyrtle, 2016-2017. Arthropod Management Tests, 43(1): tsy012.
https://academic.oup.com/amt/article/43/1/tsy012/4955729
Vafaie, E. & Knight, C. (2017). Bark and systemic insecticidal control of Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae (Crapemyrtle bark scale) on lanscape crapemyrtles, 2016. Arthropod Management Tests, 42(1): tsx130.
https://academic.oup.com/amt/article/42/1/tsx130/4706290
Wang, Z. (2017). Biology and ecology of Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College. https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5480&context=gradschool_theses
Wang et al. (2016). Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A new threat for crapemyrtles, a popular landscape plant in the U.S. Insects 7(4): 78.
http://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/7/4/78/htm
Oral Presentations & Posters
Xie, R., Wu, B., H. Qin and M.Gu. 2020. The Effects of Plant Nutrients on Biological Parameters of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstromiae) . 32th Annual Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 5-6 (Virtual).
Wu, B., Xie, R., H. Qin and M.Gu. 2020. “EPG application in feeding behavior study helps rapidly confirm potential hosts of crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae). 32th Annual Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 5-6 (Virtual). Download PDF
Wu, B., G.W. Knox, R. Xie, H. Qin and M.Gu. 2020. Characterization of Feeding Behavior and Preference of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae). ASHS Annual Meeting.https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/32583.
Wu, B., R. Xie, H. Qin and M.Gu. 2020. Green Lacewing Chrysoperla Rufilabris Is a Natural Enemy of Exotic Pest Acanthococcus Lagerstroemiae. ASHS Annual Meeting. https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/32584.
Xie, R., Wu, B., H. Qin and M.Gu. 2020. The Effects of Plant Nutrients on Biological Parameters of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstromiae) . ASHS Annual Meeting. https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/32958
Li, Q., R. Xie, B. Wu, P. Yi, and M.Gu. 2020. Effects of Shade on the Population Dynamics of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale. ASHS Annual Meeting.https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/32809.
Chen, Y., R. Diaz., M. Gu, M. Merchant, and E. Vafaei. 2020. Crapemyrtle bark scale crawler population dynamic and management applications in Louisiana. ASHS Annual Meeting.https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2020/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/33556.
Marwah, P*, Y. Zhang, and M. Gu. Investigating Consumer Preferences & Producer Perceptions: A Study in Horticulture Industry. Summer 2020. selected paper presentation at AAEA Annual Meeting. Agricultural & Applied Economics Association. Kansas City, MO, August 2020
Masloski, K.E., A. Helms, K.M. Heinz. 2020. Difference in volatile organic compounds of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana host plants. Student presentation, Entomological Society of America Virtual Meeting 2020
Runshi Xie, Bin Wu, Michael E Merchant, Erfan Vafaie, Yan Chen, David Held, Gary W. Knox, Yu Zhang, Jim Robbins, Derald Harp, and Mengmeng Gu. 2020. Systematic Strategies to Manage Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae). Poster. 84th SRASHS Annual Meeting, January 31 – February 2, 2020. Louisville, KY.
Yan Chen, Rodrigo Diaz, Mengmeng Gu, Michael E Merchant, Erfan Vafaie. 2020. Multi-year Monitoring of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Crawler Population across Louisiana. Poster. 84th SRASHS Annual Meeting, January 31 – February 2, 2020. Louisville, KY.
Xie, R., B. Wu, M. Gu, H. Qin. 2020, The Effects of Plant Nutrient on Biological Parameters of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstromiae). Student-Postdoc Research Conference at Texas A&M University.
Xie, R., B. Wu, H. Qin, and M. Gu. 2020, Feeding Preference and Host Range Tests of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale on Economically Important Crops, Stopcmbs, available online: https://stopcmbs.com/2020/10/28/feeding-preference-and-host-range-tests-of-crapemyrtle-bark-scale-on-economically-important-crops
Xie, R., B. Wu, H. Qin, and M. Gu. 2020, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Honeydew Secretion, Stopcmbs, available online: https://stopcmbs.com/2020/05/19/crapemyrtle-bark-scale-honeydew-secretion/
Xie, R., B. Wu, G. Knox, H. Qin, and M. Gu. 2020, Developmental Stages and Host Range Confirmation of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstromiae), Conference Abstracts, Plant Breeding Symposium at Texas A&M University.
Wu, B., R. Xie, G. Knox, H. Qin, and M. Gu, 2020. An exotic insect pest, crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), shows different acceptance among 19 plant species and its typical feeding behavior on Callicarpa longissima ‘Alba’ was characterized via EPG-based methods, Conference Abstracts, Plant Breeding Symposium at Texas A&M University.
Marwah, P, Y. Zhang, and M. Gu. 2020. “Consumer preferences for flowering trees and shrubs for home landscapes”, selected paper presentation at SAEA Annual Meeting, Louisville, KY, 2020.
Xie, R., B. Wu, M. Gu, and H. Qin. 2019, Developmental Stages and Host Range Confirmation of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstromiae), Conference Abstracts, Student/Postdoc Research Conference, Biology department at Texas A&M University.
Gilder, K.A., Gu, M., Merchant, M., & Heinz, K.M. 2019. Landscape Factors Influencing Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae). 2019 Entomological Society of America National Meeting.
Gu, M., B. Wu, and R. Xie. 2019. New Crapemyrtles for urban landscaping in the U.S. CHSLA Landscape Plants and Old Trees Professional Committee Annual Conference 2019 and the 4th Landscape Plants and Human Settlement Environment Construction Symposium, 2019
Gilder, K.A., Hicks, V., Gu, M., Merchant, M., & Heinz, K.M. (2019). Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) Ecology. Poster Presentation, The 67th Annual Meeting of the Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. April 14 – 18, 2019 Tulsa, OK
Masloski, K., J. B. Woolley, P. Krauter, M. Gu, K. M. Heinz. 2019. Importation Biological Control of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana) in Texas. Southwestern Branch meeting of the Entomological Society of America, April 14 – 18, 2019. Tulsa, Oklahoma
Marwah, P., Y.Y. Zhang, and M. Gu, “Effect of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale on Economics of Producer Decision Making and Consumer Preferences”, 2019 Annual Meeting, February 2-5, Birmingham, Alabama, Southern Agricultural Economic Association.
Marwah, P., Y.Y. Zhang, and M. Gu, “Effect of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale on Crapemytle Industry and Consumer Demand”, 2019 Annual Meeting, July 21-23, Atlanta, Georgia 291310, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association
Chen, Y, E. Vafaie, M. Merchant, and M. Gu. 2018. Managing crapemyrtle bark scale infestation in container production with non-neonicotinoid insecticides. ASHS 08/01/2018, Washington, DC. HortSci. 53(9)S275.
Merchant, Mike; Gu, Mengmeng; Chen, Yan; Heinz, K.; Guilder, K. (2018). Crapemyrtle Bark scale phenology and management. International IPM Symposium, Baltimore (MD).
Merchant, Mike; Gu, Mengmeng; Chen, Yan; Heinz, K.; Guilder, K. (2018). Crapemyrtle Bark scale phenology and management. Entomological Society of America Southwest Branch Meeting, Albuquerque (NM).
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, Heinz, K., Guilder, K. M. Gu, X. Cai and Y. Chen. 2018. Spread and management of Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) on crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) in the USA. The 9th International IPM Symposium, March 19-22, 2018, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Download PDF
Miller et al. (2017). Crapemyrtle bark scale: a pretty plant, an invasive pest, and a plan to protect pollinators.
Download PDF
Gu, M., E. Vafaie, M. Merchant, and Y. Chen. 2017. New Development in crapemyrtle bark scale management. 2017 29th Annual Texas Plant Protection Conference, December 5-6. Bryan, TX.
Gu, M. H. Dou, E. Vafaie, M. Merchant, Z. Wang., Y. Chen. And J. Robbins. 2017. Acanthococcus lagerstroemia, an emerging potential threat to Ficus carica. 2017 ASHS Annual Conference September 19-22. Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Y. Chen, M. Gu, and E. Vafaie. 2017. Chemical control of the crapemyrtle bark scale—What we have learned from landscape insecticide trials. 2017 ASHS Annual Conference September 19-22. Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Vafaie, E., Merchant, M., Gu, M, Chen, Y. 2017. “Scale IPM in Greenhouse and Landscape”. Entomological Society of America, Denver, CO. November 5.
Vafaie, Erfan, M. Merchant and M. Gu. 2017. Crapemyrtle bark scale phenology and management. Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America. Austin, TX. April 14.
Haijie Dou, M. Gu, Erfan Vafaie, and Michael Merchant. 2017. Landscape trials of crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) in Texas. So. Region American Soc. Horticul. Annual Meeting. Feb. 5-7. San Antonio, TX.
Cai et al. (2016). Update on crapemyrtle bark scale. Acta horticulturae.
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1140.94
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, M. Gu, X. Cai, and E. Anderson. 2016. Spread and management of crapemyrtle. Poster. 10/27/2016. Kanuga Ornamental Conference.
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, M. Gu, and X. Cai. 2016. Phenology and management of crapemyrtle. Oral. 10/27/2016. Kanuga Ornamental Conference.
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, M. Gu, X. Cai, JD. Hopkins, and J. Robbins. 2016. Developing an IPM strategy for a new scale pest of crapemyrtles in Texas, Eriococcus lagerstromiae. 09/10/2016. Oral. International Congress of Entomology.
Vafaie, E., M. Merchant, M. Gu, X. Cai, JD. Hopkins, and J. Robbins. 2016. Phenology and management of a new scale pest, Eriococcus lagerstromiae (Hempitera: Eriococcidae) of crapemyrtles in the Southern USA. 02/24/2016. Oral. ESA Southwest Branch Meeting.
Vafaie et al. (2015). Spread and management of Eriococcus lagerstromiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae) on crapemyrtle. Entomological Society of America. Poster.
Download PDF
Dou et al. (2014). Population dynamics of early stage Crapemyrtle bark scale (Eriococcus lagerstroemiae) crawlers in College Station, TX.
Download PDF
Merchant et al. (2014). Discover and spread of Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), a new invasive pest of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia spp.
Download PDF
Past Events/Workshops
Gu et al. 2016. Crapemyrtle bark scale half-day workshop. Texas Nursery and Landscape Association. https://greenviion.wordpress.com/2016/09/06/all-about-crapemyrtle-workshop/
Other
Full report of potential alternative hosts in the US for crapemyrtle bark scale: https://greenviion.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/scalenet-16-generas.pdf
