An overview of the vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) in South African vineyards and the use of entomopathogenic nematodes as potential biocontrol agent
Date
2013-02
Authors
Le Vieux, P. D.
Malan, Antoinette P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South African Society for Enology and Viticulture
Abstract
The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), which is the dominant mealybug
species in South Africa, is a severe wine and table grape pest and disease vector. Their increasing
resistance to chemical pesticides and cryptic lifestyles have led to the search for new control methods.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) belonging to the famifies Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae
are deadly insect pathogens. This paper gives valuable background information on P. ficus and EPNs,
while paying particular attention to the potential use of South African EPN species as biocontrol agents
against P. ficus.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.sawislibrary.co.za/dbtw-wpd/textbase/sajev.htm
Keywords
Entomopathogenic nematodes, Integrated pest management, Heterorhabditidae, Steinernematidae, Vine mealybug
Citation
Le Vieux, P. D. & Malan, A. P. 2013. An Overview of the Vine Mealybug (Plan ococcus ficus) in South African Vineyards and the Use of Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biocontrol Agent. S. Afr. J. Enol. Vitic, 34(1):108-118.