Vine mealybugs disrupt biomass allocation in grapevine

Vine mealybug Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an important phloem-feeding pest species in many grapevine producing areas worldwide. The economic damage of P. thought to be mainly caused by sooty mould on infested grape clusters and transmission plant viruses. Direct feeding plants (Vitis vinifera, L.) has only been vaguely described or otherwise completely discarded. present study the first give insight into direct impacts vegetative growth biomass dynamics plants. In a screenhouse, three-year-old, potted were with mealybugs at two different densities, imitating high low field infestation levels. Mealybug numbers, biomass, leaf area, size number monitored over six months compared control treatment without mealybugs. High levels reduced stem one third, while impacted indicating higher sensibility perennial parts reallocation biomass. Leaf not affected feeding.In conclusion, response gradual involves depending severity attack. Contrary previous assumptions, this demonstrates considerable temporal