Vine Mealybug
Note: The Vine Mealybug has been eradicated
We have discovered a new grape pest in the county. The vine mealybug (VMB) is currently localized in all grape-growing regions of California. This small, cryptic insect infests all parts of the vine and produces large amounts of honeydew (clear, sugary excretions) that damage the fruit and foliage, resulting in unmarketable grapes. The insect also causes the vine to decline in vigor and production and transmits leafroll viruses. Costs associated with management programs for this pest have caused California grape growers to identify VMB as a pest of serious economic significance. [more ...]
