Vine mealybug

Definition

A polyphagous mealybug species, Planococcus ficus (Pseudococcidae), native to tropical and subtropical regions and now invasive in vineyards and orchards worldwide. Adults are soft-bodied, oval, and covered in white waxy secretions; females are parthenogenetic and produce dense, flocculent ovisacs on grape clusters and woody stems. The species vectors grapevine leafroll-associated viruses and is a major economic pest of Vitis vinifera.

Etymology

From Latin vinea (vine) + English mealybug, referring to its primary host and the powdery wax coating typical of Pseudococcidae.

Example

In California's Central Valley, vine mealybug populations surge in late summer, forcing integrated pest management programs combining mating disruption, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri release, and ant management to prevent viral spread in table-grape vineyards.

Synonyms

• Planococcus ficus
• grape mealybug

Related Terms

• mealybug
• Pseudococcidae
• Planococcus
• grapevine leafroll-associated virus
• Cryptolaemus montrouzieri
• Integrated Pest Management
• ant-tended homopteran

Usage Notes

Distinguish from grape mealybug sensu stricto (Pseudococcus maritimus), a cooler-climate pest with different phenology and less efficient virus transmission. 'Vine mealybug' is the preferred common name in viticulture literature; 'grape mealybug' is ambiguous and sometimes applied to multiple Pseudococcidae species. The species is parthenogenetic in most invaded ranges, though sexual reproduction occurs in some native populations.