Vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) in Oregon
Vine mealybug (VMB) was found in Oregon for the first time in the summer of 2021 by OSU Extension - male VMB were found in vineyards in Jackson County, OR. More information is available in the Vine mealybug Pest Alert Handout. VMB is one of the most important pests in grape-growing regions and is a vector for leafroll viruses. The establishment and spread of VMB throughout Oregon's winegrowing regions would be a serious threat to Oregon's wine industry.
What actions has ODA taken?
Delimitation Surveys. In 2022 ODA conducted surveys to determine the extent of the infestation around two sites – 450 trap sites were used on over 130 properties. These caught 25,459 male vine mealybugs. It is currently believed that the infestation is contained to approximately 1.5 square miles around the initial finds. OSU and affected Jackson County growers initiated treatments for the vine mealybug in 2023. These included treatment with the systemic insectide Movento® and season long mating disruption (pheromone) treatments. Delimitation trapping was repeated in 2023 in Jackson County with 360 trap sites. No VMB males were caught.
Statewide Survey. A voluntary statewide VMB survey was initiated in 2023. 83 facilities participated from 11 counties (Benton, Clackamas, Douglas Josephine, Lane, Linn, Marion, Polk, Umatilla, Washington, and Yamhill Counties). Only two counties had one positive site each: Douglas and Linn Counties. Delimitation trapping will occur at both sites in 2024 and treatments where appropriate. An ODA led statewide survey will occur during 2024.
Quarantine. Properties with grapevine plantings and positive trap finds were notified that they were under quarantine. Quarantine requirements and management recommendations were communicated. Quarantined vineyards applied at least one treatment in 2022 and 2023. Treatments are planned for 2024.
Think you have found VMB or another mealybug in Oregon?
Resources for mealybug identification
Resources for managing vine mealybug
Oregon's Grape Pest & Disease Quarantine (OAR 603-052-0051)
The following pests and diseases are considered harmful organisms under Oregon's quarantine rules:
Certification Program Requirement - Effective January 1, 2023
In addition to other quarantine requirements, beginning January 1, 2023, all Vitis spp. plants and plant parts, including cuttings, bare-root plants, and rooted plants must originate from an approved certification program. Currently, California and Washington are the only approved programs. Phytosanitary certificates must accompany all shipments.
Notification Requirements for Importing Grapevine into Oregon
- Notification is required for all shipments of Vitis spp. plants and plant parts as described in OAR 603-054-0027.
- Recipients shall notify the department no later than two days after shipment arrival of the following information:
- Number of grapevines, rootstocks, seeds, or softwood cuttings
- Shipper's name and address
- Consignee's name and address
- Approximate date of delivery
- Applicable copies of phytosanitary certificates and lab reports
- Ways to notify:
- Email quarantine@oda.state.or.us
- FAX 503.986.4564
- Mail to Nursery Program, Oregon Department of Agriculture, 635 Capitol St NE, Salem, OR 97301
PPA 7721 Grapevine Pathogen Testing Project
ODA's Plant Health Program has funds available for testing of Vitis spp. planting materials for several quarantine pathogens of concern for grapevine. These pathogens include Xylella fastidiosa (Pierce's Disease), Grapevine red blotch virus, and Grapevine leaf roll-associated virus 3. These pathogens were identified as being of significant concern to Oregon's grape industries.
Funding for testing is available through a Plant Protection Act Section 7721 (PPA 7721) grant awarded to the ODA Plant Health Program. Funding is available for 2022 and 2023.
Pacific Northwest Grapevine Quarantine Harmonization Project
As part of a multi-state harmonization project, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA), and the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) worked closely with stakeholders in all three states to update their respective state quarantines based on current science, regional pest and disease pressures, and industry needs.
- ODA's updated quarantine rule was effective April 1, 2021.
- WSDA's rule was effective February 14, 2021.
- ISDA adopted new rules for Grape Planting Stock and updated their quarantine in 2020.
Oregon Grapevine Quarantine Rulemaking Documents (2021)