Avocado Trunk Scale: Identification and Oil Treatment

4-year-old indoor avocado has black dots on trunk (scrape off, don't wipe). Leaves dropping, browning edges. No leaf dots.

Diagnosis: Scale Insects

• Black dots on trunk/branches = armored or soft scale
• Suck sap → leaf drop, edge browning
• No leaf dots = trunk/branch feeders
• Honeydew possible (check for stickiness)

Treatment

1. Lightweight dormant oil (SunSpray®): Thorough trunk/branch coverage
2. Bright light after spraying (enhances oil action)
3. Repeat 3-4× weekly
4. NO cooking oil—gums up plant
5. Keep drier during recovery
6. Check other plants for spread

Recovery

Scale smothers under oil. New growth healthy in weeks if caught early. Avocados resilient.