Hi El

I was hoping I could get some advice with what seems to be happening with my Coconut. It appears to be getting this white thick dusty appearance all over the leaves that are coming up and on some of the old leaves. Is it scale? What should I do to treat it.

Thanks
Justin

Hi Justin,
In this case I am quite sure it is mealy bug though it could be coconut white fly. In both cases regular water jet from a garden hose will reduce it immediately and weaken the population. With mealy bug especially, ants are a part of the problem as they look after the mealy bug; so reduce the ants. Some chemicals can help but changing the area 1 to 2 metres around the plant by making it wetter with incorporating well seasoned compost/mulch and regular light watering is a longer term answer. Constantly moist soil, but not waterlogged, will discourage ants as it increases soil fungus that discourage ants. Ants also farm mealy bug on the roots below the ground so pay attention to sub soil ant activity.
Please supply photo's to confirm.
Regards Roger

Hi El

Please find attached some photos. I checked the soil and there are no ants.

Cheers
Justin

Yes mealy bug get out the hose for a start.
Regards Roger