Mealybug control: Which beneficial should I use in my vineyard?

Curious about which mealybug product is the best fit for your vineyard operation? Luckily all of the beneficial insects below can be used simultaneously and will give you a more robust mealybug program when used together; however, if you need to make the difficult decision, consider these highlights:

Good for:

• Preventative treatments
• Broadcast applications throughout the season

When to apply:

• Early (~April) through mid-season for current year’s mealybugs
• After harvest if targeting overwintering mealybugs
• Avoid applying in the hottest part of the summer

Where to apply:

• Attach bottles directly to vines or wires, out of direct sunlight
• Preventatively: along vineyard edges
• Curatively: evenly spread throughout the block

Benefits:

• Overwinters very well
• Can fly and actively seek out mealybug colonies
• Small enough to fit underneath bark
• Early in the season, Citripar can survive off of nectar from flowering cover crops if no mealybugs can be found

Good for:

• Hotspot treatments

When to apply:

• At the first detection of the pest (bleeding bark)
• If treating a chronic mealybug hotspot, start applications after the last chance of frost
• Avoid heatwaves

Where to apply:

• Apply material directly to infested vines, on cordons or crown

Benefits:

• Larvae look similar to mealybugs, so they can infiltrate colonies (doesn’t negate the use of ant control)
• Start feeding right away

Good for:

• Hotspot or broadcast treatments

When to apply:

• Start after the last chance of frost
• Can be applied throughout the season
• Avoid heatwaves

Where to apply:

• Towards the middle of vineyard blocks
• Open perforated boxes and leave on the ground (away from visible ant nests)

Benefits:

• Easy to apply
• Can fly and lay eggs
• Cryptobug uses the mealybug sex pheromone (among other cues) to locate its prey, so using mealybug mating disruptions in conjunction with Cryptobug could encourage the beetles to stay on your property instead of dispersing

Considering this information in your Integrated Pest Management strategy marks a solid beginning. Nonetheless, it's crucial to acknowledge that every crop poses unique challenges and factors. For personalized assistance crafted to your requirements, feel free to contact our team of Koppert experts. We're dedicated to assisting you through every phase of your pursuit of sustainable crop protection.