Corcoran, J.A., & Mahaffee, W.F. 2024 Identification of a receptor for the sex pheromone of the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus. Current Research in Insect Science 5:100072
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Notes: The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus, is a significant pest of vineyards in all major grape growing regions of the world. This pest causes significant aesthetic damage to berry clusters through its feeding behavior and secretion of "honeydew", which leads to significant decreases in crop marketability. More importantly, the vine mealybug is a vector of several grapevine viruses which are the causal agent of grapevine leafroll disease, one of the most destructive and economically devastating diseases of the grape industry worldwide. The identification of a receptor for the vine mealybug sex pheromone will allow for the development of novel, species-specific pest control tools and monitoring devices.
