Invasive Pests in Viticulture

This article discusses two invasive pests that are a threat to vineyards: the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) and the vine mealybug (VMB).

Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter

The GWSS is a sap-sucking insect that can transmit Pierce’s disease, a serious disease of grapes.

Vine Mealybug

The VMB is a small insect that feeds on the sap of grapes and other plants. It can cause defoliation, berry damage, and rot.

Questions

• What is the glassy-winged sharpshooter?
• What is the vine mealybug?
• How do these pests damage grapes?
• What are the treatments for these pests?

Answers

• The glassy-winged sharpshooter is a sap-sucking insect that can transmit Pierce’s disease, a serious disease of grapes.
• The vine mealybug is a small insect that feeds on the sap of grapes and other plants. It can cause defoliation, berry damage, and rot.
• These pests damage grapes by sucking the sap out of the leaves and berries. This can lead to defoliation, berry damage, and rot.
• The treatments for these pests include parasitic insects, pheromone traps, and insecticides.