Seasonal Occurrence and Distribution on Grapevine Roots of Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in Brazil

  • F.S. Schmidt Bio Controle Métodos de Controle de Pragas, Rua Ema Gazzi Magnusson, 405, 13347-630, Indaiatuba, SP, Brazil
  • L.G. Leite Instituto Biológico, Rod. Heitor Penteado, Km 3, 13092-543, Campinas, SP, Brazil
  • C.A. de Klerk 6 Wege Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
  • A. Canesin Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias, UFGD, Rodovia Dourados-Itahum, Km 12, Caixa Postal 533, 79804-970, Dourados, MS, Brazil
  • R. Marraschi Instituto Biológico, Rod. Heitor Penteado, Km 3, 13092-543, Campinas, SP, Brazil
  • P. Ballone Instituto Biológico, Rod. Heitor Penteado, Km 3, 13092-543, Campinas, SP, Brazil

Abstract

The ground pearl, Eurhizococcus brasiliensis (Wille) (Hemiptera: Margarodidae), is the most important
grapevine pest in Brazil. Its seasonal occurrence and distribution on the roots of the different development
stages were determined to allow better monitoring of this insect and better targeting of its vulnerable life
stages. Yellow cysts (after the first nymphal moult) showed the lowest density in October, followed by a
gradual increase towards August. White cysts (cysts with enclosed pre-pupal males or females) occurred
from August to December, with a peak in November. Mobile females (adult females emerging from the
white cysts) were found from August to December, with a peak in August. Parthenogenetic females that
remain in the ruptured white cysts for egg laying were present from August to April, with a peak in
November. Mobile nymphs (first instar) were also found from August to April, with a peak in December.
Yellow cysts were most abundant at depths of 0 to 25 cm. The horizontal survey showed that cysts occurred
mostly on the trunk below the ground (trunk of the rootstock), and that almost all occurred in an area of
20 cm width around the trunk. These results provide important information for better monitoring of this
pest and to develop better methods for and timing of chemical control.

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Published
2016-11-01
Section
Articles