Skip to content

Mating Disruption for Vine Mealybug

CheckMate® VMB-XL

Suterra
The first long-lasting pheromone solution for vine mealybug control

CheckMate® VMB-XL is Suterra’s long-lasting mating disruption dispenser for control of Vine Mealybug (VMB) in grapevines.


This product utilizes Suterra’s proprietary release technology for continuous release throughout the vineyard. The ergonomically friendly design of CheckMate® VMB-XL makes it fast for workers to deploy. Made with the highest quality pheromone, VMB-XL is the longest lasting dispenser on the market.

Compatible with all Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tools, growers appreciate the ease and reliability of this “one and done” hanging product. CheckMate® VMB-XL is the trusted and proven solution to reduce damage caused by vine mealybug.

Why Growers Choose CheckMate® VMB-XL

  • Reduces VMB populations and damage
  • Fights development of insecticide resistance
  • Easy-to-deploy proprietary pheromone release technology
  • One application offers a long-lasting solution; can be used over-winter
  • Compatible with all IPM tools
  • Can be used together with CheckMate® VMB-F
  • Authorized for organic production
  • Does not harm beneficial insects

Application Rate

250 per acre

Item #

17305

Available In

CA, VA

Damage Reduction

The addition of CheckMate® VMB-XL into a comprehensive IPM program cuts Vine mealybug damage by up to 75%.

% Grape Damage

Trap Inhibition

CheckMate® VMB-XL hinders the ability of males to find pheromone traps as compared to areas treated with grower standard practices.

Non Mating Disruption Reference | CheckMate® VMB-XL

VMB Trap Captures

Datasheet

Download Datasheet

Safety Datasheet

Download SDS

Label

Download Label

Deployment Guide

Download Deployment Guide

Vine Mealybug

(Planococcus ficus)

Wine grapes, table grapes, and raisin grapes

Look throughout your vineyard for honeydew and ant activity on vines

Monitor mating disruption using small paper delta traps with Suterra VMB septa lures

Hang traps in March to detect early activity

One trap per 10-20 acres; at least 2 traps per block

Check traps a minimum of once every 2 weeks, replacing lures monthly

Vine mealybug decreases vine vigor and causes defoliation and grape cluster damage. Treating VMB can reduce the spread of leafroll virus. Impacts of VMB infestation include sooty mold damage on grapes and resulting in quality loss and unmarketable fruit.

Monitoring Guide

Download Monitoring Guide

Identification of Vine Mealybug

(Planococcus ficus)

VMB Pest Illustration

Resources

Vineyard with overhang.

Vine Mealybug vs. Grape Mealybug Identification

Sep 20, 2021 9:33:08 AM

Grape growers on the West Coast have become familiar with the rising threat of vine mealybug in recent years. The insect is particularly concerning...

Identifying Vine Mealybug in California Vineyards

Identifying Vine Mealybug in California Vineyards

Jul 9, 2021 4:24:43 PM

Vine mealybug can cause permanent damage to vineyards if left unchecked, yet can be easily misidentified with several similar pests. Learn about...

Vineyard sprawling over hills in summer.

Ants and Their Symbiotic Relationship with Vine Mealybug

Mar 29, 2023 12:57:58 PM

Ants and mealybugs share a complex, symbiotic relationship- and this relationship can have consequences for your vineyard. Do you know why ant...

The Science of Microencapsulated Pheromone Technology

The Science of Microencapsulated Pheromone Technology

Apr 17, 2023 10:37:55 AM

Suterra is a global leader in pheromone mating disruption. We manufacture our own active ingredients and the various pheromone delivery systems we...

Trapping and Monitoring for Vine Mealybug in California Grapes

Trapping and Monitoring for Vine Mealybug in California Grapes

Apr 8, 2020 1:59:28 PM

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...

Solutions for Vine Mealybug

Utilizing mating disruption for Vine Mealybug control has never been easier. CheckMate® VMB-F and CheckMate® VMB-XL give you the damage protection you need and the deployment options to fit your IPM program.

View all VMB Products