Seasonal phenology and pheromone trap monitoring of Pseudococcus maritimus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in three wine grape growing regions of Oregon, U.S.A

Seasonal phenology patterns and population dynamics of the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn), were investigated from 2010 through 2012 in three wine grape producing regions of Oregon. Pheromone-baited traps were used in conjunction with intensive physical surveys to determine stages of pest development during the growing season. Genetic verification of collected sessile stages confirmed that only P. maritimus is present in Oregon vineyards. Two peaks of male mealybug flight and female egg-laying activity indicated that two generations per year occur in Southern Oregon and the Columbia Basin. No sessile stages were found at sites in the Willamette Valley, and only a single peak of male flight was observed from monitoring traps, indicating that one generation of mealybugs occurs in this region. Seasonal progression of developmental stages is described for the three regions and the potential role of mealybugs in the epidemiology of grape leafoll disease is discussed. Deployment of pheromone-baited traps was an effective technique to monitor populations of P. maritimus and is recommended over conducting intensive physical surveys for growers.