VINE MEALYBUG
▪ The Planococcus ficus lure is a type of attractant used in pest management for the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus).
This pest is a significant problem in grapevine cultivation, as it damages plants by feeding on their sap and potentially spreading diseases like grapevine leafroll virus.
▪ The lure typically contains chemical compounds that mimic the natural pheromones or other attractants of the vine mealybug, drawing the pests to traps. These lures are part of an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, helping to monitor or reduce pest populations without relying solely on chemical pesticides.
▪ Traps:
Pheromone traps (e.g., sticky or delta traps) capture adult mealybugs.
▪ Effects:
Damages grapevines and other crops (e.g., figs, citrus).
Causes yellowing, stunted growth, and lower yields.
Produces honeydew, leading to sooty mold.
Spreads grapevine leafroll virus.
▪Location:
Found in grape-growing areas (e.g., California, Mexico Europe, South Africa,).