Sampling program for grape mealybugs improves pest management

Geiger, C; Daane, K; Bentley, W; Yokota, G; Martin, L

Sampling program for grape mealybugs improves pest management

Authors

Chris A. Geiger
Kent M. Daane
Walter J. Bentley
Glenn Y. Yokota
Lee A. Martin

Authors Affiliations

C.A. Geiger is Associate Environmental Research Scientist, California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and was Postdoctoral Researcher, Center for Biological Control, Division of Insect Biology, UC Berkeley; K.M. Daane is Extension Specialist, Center for Biological Control, UC Berkeley; W.J. Bentley is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Entomologist, UC Kearney Agricultural Center; G.Y. Yokota is Research Associate, Center for Biological Control, UC Berkeley; L.A. Martin is Lab Assistant, UC IPM Program.

Publication Information

Hilgardia 55(3):19-27. DOI:10.3733/ca.v055n03p19. May 2001.

PDF of full article, Cite this article

Abstract

The results of a mealybug study in Central Valley vineyards, designed to develop sampling guidelines, reveal that mealybug distribution on vines varies greatly through the season and that mealybugs usually prefer concealed locations, such as under bark. This combination makes sampling difficult. A number of sampling techniques were compared. Three- or 5-minute timed counts were most efficient because samplers could follow the mealybugs' movement over the season. Midseason counts were much better predictors of damage at harvest than early season counts. This research confirms past control guidelines and opens new control options. Grape bunches touching vine trunks or spurs will have higher damage. Removing these bunches or using barriers between bunches and mealybug oviposition sites can also reduce damage.

References

Clausen CP. The parasites of Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) in California (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea). Part II: Biological studies and life history. UC Pub Entomol. 1984. 3:223-292.

Costello MJ, Daane KM. Abundance of spiders and insect predators on grapes in central California. J Arachnol 1999. 27pp.531-538.

Flaherty DL, Christensen LP, Lanini WT, Flaherty DL, Christensen LP, Lanini WT, et al. Mealybugs. Grape Pest Management. 1992. UC DANR Pub 3343: 400p.

Flaherty DL, Peacock WL, Bettiga L, et al. Chemicals losing effect against grape mealybug. Cal Ag. 1982. 36(3):15-16.

Geiger CA, Daane KM. Seasonal movement and sampling of the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) in San Joaquin Valley vineyards. J Econ Entomol. 2001. 94(1):291-301. PubMed PMID: 11233128

Grimes EW, Cone WW. Life history. sex attraction, mating and natural enemies of the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Ann Entomol Soc Amer. 1985. 78:554-558.

Also in this issue:

An Epizootiological Study of Entomophthora muscae in muscoid fly populations on Southern California poultry facilities, with emphasis on Musca domestica

Costs uncertain: Methyl bromide phase-out becomes reality

Letters

Science briefs

Partnerships key to sustainable agriculture

Efforts underway to prevent foot-and-mouth disease

New tools, methods needed to replace methyl bromide

Township limits on 1,3-D will impact adjustment to methyl bromide phase-out

Insufficient spring irrigation increases abnormal splitting of pistachio nuts

Simplified tree water status measurements can aid almond irrigation

USDA program stimulates interest in farmers' markets among low-income women

Reducing fertilizer in sugarbeets can protect water quality