HISTORY
The Vine Mealybug (VMB), Planococcus ficus , is a serious exotic pest in California that was first found in the Coachella Valley in 1994. Although it has only been found on grapes so far in California , alternate hosts include avocados, citrus and other crops. Within three years of its introduction, VMB spread throughout the entire Coachella Valley grape growing region. Today, it has been found in most grape growing counties of California including vineyards in Santa Barbara , Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties , many in young vineyards planted since 1998. (See Map
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BIOLOGY
The Vine Mealybug has 5 to 7 generations per year, enabling populations to grow very rapidly. VMB produces a tremendous amount of honeydew, and waxy residue resembling melted candle wax. Unlike other mealybugs, all life stages of the VMB can be present year-round on a vine. During winter months, eggs, crawlers, nymphs, and adults are found under bark, within developing buds, and on roots.
DAMAGE
This pest causes an enormous amount of damage and is very difficult and costly to treat and in established areas, total crop loss is possible without the use of insecticide treatments. It is important that growers and vineyard personnel familiarize themselves with the signs of a VMB infestation.
TRAPPING
Monitoring vineyards for the presence of VMB by detection trapping is essential to the early detection and successful treatment of the pest. Pheromone traps should be positioned near the cordon and placed at a density of one trap per 20 acres. Pheromone traps attract male VMB from a distance of about 300 feet.
BIOSECURITY
The female VMB can easily spread on contaminated nursery stock, equipment, personnel as well as birds and other wildlife. Vineyard managers need to employ strict biosecurity and sanitation in the vineyard. Best Management Practices (BMP) in the vineyard and at the wineries that process the grapes can reduce the spread of VMB.
TREATMENT
It is unlikely that VMB will be eradicated from most vineyards. With early detection and vigilant treatment VMB populations can be kept in check. The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has information on treatment options.
Trapping information:
SLO County Trapping Protocol
Trap Data Sheets
Identifying Males:
Close up of trapped males
Live male and trapped male
Trapped VMB compared to similar insects
Other Links:
http://www.vinemealybug.uckac.edu/VMB.htm
http://www.vinemealybug.uckac.edu
http://ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r302301911.html
http://www.practicalwinery.com/mayjune04/mayjun04p60.htm