VASCM: Additional information on VMB and its control

[Moore, David]

Good morning VASCM,
Thanks to Prudy for raising this important issue!

The UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has, as they so often do, an excellent resource for growers on VMB, it is available as a free download at: http://anrcatalog.ucanr.edu/pdf/8152.pdf.  This publication includes a very brief paragraph on the importance of the relationship between ants (generally Argentine Ants, L. humile) and VMB.  The importance of ant control as an indirect control of VMB and many other agronomically important hemipteran (formerly homopteran) pests cannot be overstated, particularly in the contexts of biocontrol and/or organic production.  Argentine Ants are well known to protect these pests from the biocontrol agent, and are capable of reducing the efficacy of biocontrol dramatically (Tena, Hoddle and Hoddle, 2013 and Navarette, et al, 2013).  It is important to note that Argentine Ants also tend and protect other agronomically significant species of mealybug that attack winegrapes, not just VMB.  UC has conducted at least one major field research project specifically focused on ant/mealybug interactions and control in coastal winegrapes (Cooper, et al, 2008; http://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.v062n04p177).

Among the available pesticides labeled for control of ants on winegrapes are two bait products produced by Neudorff and marketed by Certis USA: Bug-n-Sluggo (http://www.neudorffpro.com/index.php?id=1823) and Seduce (http://www.neudorffpro.com/index.php?id=1847).  Both of these products are OMRI-Listed and compliant with the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations for use in certified organic production.  Both are based on the bioinsecticide spinosad, produced by microbial fermentation.  Spinosad has powerful activity on the hymenopterans, including Argentine Ant, acting both on contact and ingestion.  The formulation as a solid bait minimizes any potential effect on the biocontrol agent or other beneficial organisms.  Spinosad is non-toxic to vertebrates.  Neudorff also has EPA registration for a spinosad Liquid Ant Bait, CA registration for agricultural uses is pending.

The application of a solid bait is clean, has no risk of drift, and lends itself readily to spot treatments.  Baits are often very effective at controlling ants because they persist to act on ants that have escaped initial contact with a spray-applied pesticide and because they offer ants an appealing food item which transports the pesticide back to the colony.  Bug-n-Sluggo is built on the well-known Sluggo slug/snail bait pellet and is also labeled for the control of slugs, snails, and pill/sowbugs in winegrapes.  Slugs and snails are an emerging pest of grapes, often associated with no-till management of cover crops; some sites in the appellation have treated for these pests in recent years.

As a long-time member of the SCM vineyard community I am always available to answer questions and provide additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Best regards,
Dave Moore PCA/QAL
Neudorff North America
831-331-3847
www.neudorffpro.com<http://www.neudorffpro.com>

From: VASCM [mailto:vascm-bounces at lists.kkn.net] On Behalf Of prudy foxx
Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2018 8:22 AM
To: vascm mailing list <vascm at kkn.net<mailto:vascm at kkn.net>>
Subject: VASCM: Fwd: Vine Mealybug: if you do see it....

If you do see this pest in your vineyard don't freak out - take action.

New protocols being published include a knock down spray followed by the new pheromone spray available.

We are working with local pesticide sales facilities to urge them to carry products.

There is organic protocol as well and as always this requires even more vigilance.

The VMB is tenacious and does not back down easily.  Whatever your system it will require disciplined repeated action.


Begin forwarded message:

From: prudy foxx <prudyfoxx at gmail.com<mailto:prudyfoxx at gmail.com>>
Subject: Vine Mealybug
Date: June 7, 2018 at 8:02:33 AM PDT
To: vascm mailing list <vascm at kkn.net<mailto:vascm at kkn.net>>

Friends,

This a an excellent picture of Vine Mealybug, the ugly and very dangerous species of mealybug that is trying to find its way to our region.

Be on vigilant look out for this pest.  If you see significant ant activity on your vines peel away the bark and look.

We do not want this pest on the loose!  Note:  a key difference between the ubiquitous mealybugs  we see every year and VMB at this stage is the yellowish tinge.

FYI:  This picture was taken from a vine on the fringes of our AVA (in fact outside of the AVA but close and coming from the North).
Friends,

This a an excellent picture of Vine Mealybug, the ugly and very dangerous species of mealybug that is trying to find its way to our region.

Be on vigilant look out for this pest.  If you see significant ant activity on your vines peel away the bark and look.

We do not want this pest on the loose!  Note:  a key difference between the ubiquitous mealybugs  we see every year and VMB at this stage is the yellowish tinge.

FYI:  This picture was taken from a vine on the fringes of our AVA (in fact outside of the AVA but close and coming from the North).






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