Madsen, H.F., & Westigard, P.H. 1962 Behavior and control of the grape mealybug on pear.. Journal of Economic Entomology 55(6): 849-850.

Notes: The grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus, is a chronic pest of pears which became a serious problem in several pear-growing areas in 1960 and 1961. Biology studies showed that the overwintering crawlers invaded and fed upon tissue in the fruit buds from the period of bud crack until petal fall. After this time, the mealybugs migrated to the base of sucker shoots where rough bark provided protection. Because the insects are exposed within the open fruit buds, a spray timed at the cluster bud stage of tree development is preferred. Trials of chemical sprays were conducted and evaluated.