Suterra Blog

Vine mealybug can cause permanent damage to vineyards if left unchecked, yet can be easily confused with several similar pests. Learn about mealybugs and how to distinguish vine mealybugs from other species in this article. 

You may have observed small numbers of California Red Scale males in pheromone traps ahead of the first flight ( defined as two consecutive weeks of increasing capture after February 1^st).

Degree-days are an incredibly helpful tool for monitoring pests and subsequently timing sprays and other pest management techniques. Learn more about how degree-days can help you from Sara Goldman, Suterra Technical Support Manager.

Oriental fruit moth is a common and potentially damaging pest in peach orchards. Monitoring for this insect on your farm is a critical component of your integrated pest management program and will also help ensure that your program meets regulatory criteria for export markets. 

     As March approaches, traps to monitor the first codling moth flight will soon be placed in walnut orchards. Below are some reminders of best practices for monitoring and managing this pest.

    Codling moth traps will soon be hung in apple orchards in the Pacific Northwest. Now is a great time to refresh your knowledge on how to look out for this pest.

With spring approaching, the citrus industry in California will soon begin monitoring for California Red Scale. Now is a great time to review best practices for monitoring the pest.

In the Central Valley of California, depending on location, the fourth flight of California Red Scale Aonidiella aurantii in citrus would have started between the 20^th and 30^th of August based on degree-day accumulation.

Growers typically deploy pheromone mating disruption for Planococcus ficus (Vine Mealybug, VMB ) in the spring. Depending on local practices and availability of labor, deployment can be done before the first flight (April), or just before the second flight (late May). Grower experience shows both strategies can be effective.

The Vine Mealybug (VMB) is a serious insect pest of grapes grown in California. There are only a few chemical management options available, and the more that these are used, the higher the likelihood is of insecticide resistance developing. Proper monitoring is a necessary step in assuring premium wine grape growers that their vines are clean and their management plans are effective.