Pests That Affect Rubber Trees

Scales

• Rubber tree is likely to be infested with scales, according to the University of Florida Extension. Scales are very small insects, with the females being wingless, immobile and without any distinct body areas. The males have a pair of wings but are hardly seen, as their lifespan is only several hours. These pests infest the bark and foliage in clusters and feed on plant fluids, causing discoloration, yellowing and defoliation.

Thrips

• A variety of thrips can infest the rubber plant, including greenhouse, banded greenhouse and dracaena thrips. The slender insects are 1/20-inch long with fringed wings, and damage infested trees by feeding on the cell content of newly growing plant tissue. Damage results in scarring, distortion of foliage and stunted plant growth. Severe infestation leads to defoliation and stem dieback.

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are sap-sucking pests that lead to declining health and yellowing leaves on infested rubber trees. The pests are found in groups at the bases and undersides of foliage. As they feed, the pests secrete sticky honeydew that leads to the development of black, sooty mold on plants. The plant can also be damaged because of reduced sunlight on infested areas, due to a pest presence on the leaves.

Root Knot Nematode

• Root knot nematodes, also referred to as nemas, are microscopic, eel-like organisms found on the roots of plants, including the rubber tree. Presence of the pests is indicated by appearance of swellings or galls on the roots. As the insects feed on a plant's roots, the galls get larger in size, gradually disrupting the nutrient- and water-absorbing capacity of the affected plant.