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Quantifying Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Invasion in Northern California Vineyards to Inform
Tyler E Schartel1, Monica L Cooper2, Aubrey May2
1Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA.
Environmental Entomology
|December 7, 2020
Summary
Understanding invasive species like the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) is key to managing vineyards. This study shows 250-meter zones can contain local spread, aiding early detection and prevention efforts.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Entomology
- Invasive Species Ecology
- Geospatial Analysis
Background:
- Invasive species pose significant threats to agriculture, impacting crop yields and economies.
- Effective management of invasive pests requires understanding their invasion dynamics and habitat preferences.
- The vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) is a major pest in vineyards worldwide, necessitating targeted control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the invasion dynamics of the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) in Napa County, California.
- To model habitat suitability for P. ficus using geospatial analysis and various modeling techniques.
- To provide data-driven recommendations for quarantine zones and management strategies to mitigate pest spread.
Main Methods:
- Geospatial analysis of nearly 15,000 trapping records (2012-2017).
- Habitat suitability modeling using generalized linear models, boosted regression trees, and random forests.
- Validation of model predictions through field surveys at over 300 vineyard sites.
Main Results:
- Spatial autocorrelation of P. ficus detections was strongest at ~250 m, with spread being idiosyncratic and hotspots dynamic.
- Key predictors for P. ficus occurrence included precipitation in the driest month (positive) and elevation and distance to wineries (negative).
- Habitat suitability estimates were significantly associated with P. ficus occurrence, validating the model's predictive power.
Conclusions:
- 250-meter quarantine and treatment zones are likely sufficient for local P. ficus containment.
- Localized regulatory procedures can limit inadvertent spread through anthropogenic pathways.
- Habitat suitability predictions are a robust tool for identifying high-risk areas and prioritizing early detection and preventative management of P. ficus.
