Development of a Mating Disruption Program for a Mealybug, Planococcus ficus, in Vineyards

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Sustainable Agriculture

Background:

• The vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) is a significant pest in vineyards, necessitating sustainable control methods for organic farming.
• Mating disruption using pheromones presents a promising strategy for managing Planococcus ficus populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of mating disruption in controlling the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus).
• To assess the impact of mating disruption on male trap captures, mealybug numbers, population age structure, and grape cluster damage.
• To compare different dispenser loads and formulations for pheromone release.

Main Methods:

• Field experiments were conducted from 2004 to 2007 to test mating disruption effects.
• Evaluated pheromone trap captures, mealybug densities, age structure, and crop damage in treated and control plots.
• Assessed dispenser load, release rates, and compared dispensers to a flowable formulation.

Main Results:

• Mating disruption consistently reduced pheromone trap captures and often decreased mealybug numbers and crop damage.
• No clear effects on mealybug population age structure were observed, potentially due to non-viable ovisac production.
• Trap captures were not completely eliminated, possibly due to high initial pest densities; dispenser release rates and season-long coverage were critical factors.

Conclusions:

• Mating disruption is an effective tool for managing vine mealybug populations and reducing crop damage.
• Optimized pheromone release from dispensers and ensuring season-long or late-season coverage are crucial for successful implementation.
• Further development of dispensers with controlled, targeted pheromone emission is recommended for future pest management strategies.