The documented connection between walnut scale and botryosphaeria means growers might want to treat scale populations more aggressively.
Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Dani Lightle says studies have shown that large scale populations can increase the potential for botryosphaeria damage in walnuts. Although some scale recommendations called for growers to wait through some damage, Lightle says walnut growers may want to keep a closer eye on the pest than that. Lightle says growers should always be keeping an eye out for bot symptoms.