Biology and Management of Grape Mealybug
- Research Date
- 2016
- Authors
- Rufus Isaacs, Keith Mason, Annemiek Schilder, Brad Baughman, Duke Elsner
- Priorities
- Best Practices, Crop Quality, Disease Management, Pest Management
- Crop Categories
- Grapes
- Beverage Categories
- Wine
This continuing project focuses on understanding the biology of grape mealybug, a vector of Grapevine Leafroll Virus (GLRaV), and then uses this knowledge to improve vineyard pest management programs. Adult mealybugs were detected before nymphs, and mealybugs were present throughout season. There was not a clear relationship between ant abundance and mealybug infestation, but we are still analyzing samples to determine if certain ants are more common in mealybug infested vineyards. An attractive but toxic ant bait is being tested to reduce ants and promote mealybug parasitism in treated vineyards, although it showed no reduction in ants or mealybugs in 2016. In an insecticide trial, Movento applied right after bloom appears to be the best option for mealybug control.
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