Modeling the Effect of the Biological Control of Pseudococcus viburni Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on Grapevine Leafroll Virus Spread

TL;DR

This paper models how biological control of a mealybug affects the spread of a virus in grapevines.

Contribution

A novel mathematical model is developed to predict the impact of biological control on virus spread via mealybugs.

Findings

Biological control of Pseudococcus viburni can reduce grapevine leafroll virus spread.

Establishing vineyards with virus-free material is crucial for minimizing economic losses.

Predators and parasitoids offer sustainable alternatives to chemical insecticides for mealybug control.

Abstract

Grapevineleafroll disease (GLD) is one of the more severe and persistent diseases in grapevines worldwide and is caused by several species of grape leafroll-associated viruses (GLRaVs). GLRaVs enter vines mainly by infected plant material or insect vectors. Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) are important vectors of GLRaVs and, among them, Pseudococcus viburni is the primary key vector in many regions. To reduce GLRaV spread, acquiring vines from virus-free certified nurseries, removing infected vines, and controlling insect vectors are crucial control tools. Sustainable mealybug control relies on eco-friendly products, cultural practices that limit mealybug population growth, and biological control by natural enemies. For P. viburni, biological control is primarily based on the action of predators and parasitoids, such as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Acerophagus flavidulus Brethes, respectively, which will obviously have a different mode of action than chemical insecticides. However, the long-term effect of biological control on GLRaV spread within vineyards has rarely been studied. With the aim of better predicting the impact of biological control on insect vectors, such as mealybugs, we developed a mathematical model to predict the GLRaV spread. The results highlight the importance of establishing vineyards with virus-free material and having a pest management program that reduces the vector population to reduce the economic loss from GLRaVs.

Figures