(Wines&Vines) - Management of vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) in California vineyards has been problematic because of this pest’s high reproduction potential with multiple generations, and its year-round presence with life stages that overwinter under vine bark where it is difficult to apply treatments.

The vine mealybug (VMB) causes damage by feeding on grape clusters and vine parts where it produces honeydew that provides a medium for mold growth, and makes grapes unmarketable. In addition, the VMB is a vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses.