Dissertation
Investigating the Effectiveness of Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption for the Grape Mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus
Washington State University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
05/2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7273/000006531
Abstract
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is crucial for maintaining pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL) in crops. This dissertation explores the challenges and alternative strategies in IPM, focusing on the grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus, a vector of grapevine leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs) in Washington State vineyards. The first chapter reviews Ps. maritimus biology, history, and current control measures. The second chapter explores a three-year investigation into the mating disruption of Ps. maritimus using pheromone dispensers. Despite two decades of using imidacloprid, growers face resistance and field failures. Deploying specific dispenser quantities significantly reduced male mealybug trap captures, suggesting the potential applicability of mating disruption strategies in controlling grape mealybugs in wine grape vineyards. In the third chapter, I characterized the development of a degree-day model for Ps. maritimus at temperature thresholds of 9℃ and 36°C. The model predicted the first and second flights, starting from Jan 1. While acknowledging variations in early instar development under bark, the study suggests using AgWeatherNet with set temperatures to monitor and spray insecticides effectively during peak Ps. maritimus flights. The research emphasizes the simplicity and accuracy of this approach, offering grape growers in Washington State a practical tool for optimal pest management, particularly during the crucial first generation. In the fourth chapter, I investigated the longevity and efficacy of pheromone dispensers from two companies, focusing on Ps. maritimus control. Pheromone dispensers are pivotal in insect pest management, releasing synthetic sex pheromones. The study reveals that dispensers remain effective for Ps. maritimus trap captures over two growing seasons, suggesting a field life exceeding a year. The results from these experiments will contribute to the body of knowledge and IPM tools to curb insecticide resistance and mitigate the spread of GLRaVs, contributing valuable insights for sustainable grapevine pest management.
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Details
- Title
- Investigating the Effectiveness of Pheromone-Based Mating Disruption for the Grape Mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus
- Creators
- Stephen Olusola Onayemi
- Contributors
- Douglas B. Walsh (Chair) - Washington State University, Entomology, Department ofAlan S Felsot (Committee Member)Richard S Zack (Committee Member)Niadu A Rayapati (Committee Member)Kent M Daane (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Entomology, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 119
- Identifiers
- 99901121131101842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation