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Video Q&A ViewAttendees 2

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

10-Minute Paper

P-IE: Ecology On-Demand Presentations

Mating disruption of Planococcus ficus with sex pheromone dispensers in California vineyards

On-Demand
On-Demand

California vineyards are attacked by several mealybug species, including Planococcus ficus Signoret that causes the most damage and can transmit Grapevine leafroll-associated virus, which lowers crop yield and quality. Adult male P. ficus are winged and locate mates with a sex pheromone released by the females. A synthetic version of the sex pheromone has been developed for monitoring and mating disruption. Current recommended rates of 200-250 dispensers per acre, while effective, can be labor intensive and cost prohibitive for many growers. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of lower numbers of dispensers per acre. Vineyards were located in Lodi, California in 2020 and 2021. Dispensers were tested at rates of 0, 50, 75, 100, or 150 dispensers per acre. Male flight activity was monitored with sticky traps baited with sex pheromone lures and were checked every two weeks. Grape clusters were assessed for P. ficus damage at the end of the season. Results are discussed with respect to mealybug control and grower costs.