Kern County

Vine Mealybug Research in Grape Nurseries

Management of vine mealybug in grape nurseries with a hot-water treatment program for dormant propagation materials (2003 to 2005)

COLLABORATORS: Walt Bentley, UCIPM Entomologist; Jennifer Hashim, UCCE Viticulture farm advisor- Kern Co.

In 2002 and 2003, vine mealybug was detected for the first time in 13 previously uninfested California counties. Most new infestations were traced back to young vines that originated in Kern County. This project developed a nursery program that mitigated the spread of vine mealybug via planting materials with the use of pheromone traps and hot-water treatments.

Laboratory studies were used to develop lethal dosage curves for all stages of vine mealybug exposed to hot-water treatments. Data on tolerance levels to immersion in hot-water treatments were also developed for 8 scion and 8 rootstock varieties. We validated the effectiveness of pheromone trapping in grape nurseries and developed a hot-water treatment program that is 99.9% effective without the use of pesticides. We also documented the effects of this treatment program on the quality of dormant cuttings. Adoption of this program has shut down the spread of vine mealybug through nursery stock.

Websites

UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines for Vine Mealybug

Vine Mealybug in Nurseries Documents