Limitations of mating disruption for vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Ben-Dov) management in vineyards: Biological and spatial considerations

The vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) is a globally significant pest in viticulture, posing serious threats to grape and acting as a vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses. Among available management strategies, mating disruption using synthetic sex pheromones has gained traction due to its reduced environmental impact and compatibility with integrated pest management (IPM) programs. While mating disruption has demonstrated acceptable levels of efficacy in suppressing P. ficus populations across many grape-growing regions, it rarely results in complete population eradication.

This study explores potential biological and behavioral explanations for the persistent survival of P. ficus under mating disruption regimes. Specifically, we evaluate two hypotheses: (1) the potential for asexual reproduction or parthenogenesis, (2) reduced effectiveness against short-range or non-dispersing males. Because male P. ficus are weak flyers with limited dispersal capability, areas with incomplete pheromone saturation may serve as refuges where males can still locate females and successfully mate. Additionally, the presence of short-range or non-flying males capable of locating nearby females presents a possible mechanism for sustained reproduction despite mating disruption efforts.

We discuss the implications of these findings for improving vineyard management strategies, including recommendations for pheromone dispenser placement, potential integration with other control tactics (e.g., systemic insecticides or augmentative biocontrol), and directions for future research into P. ficus reproductive biology and spatial ecology.