Soft scales and mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) on grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in Slovenia and the possibilities of their biological control

Abstract

In Slovenia Neopulvinaria innumerabilis, Pulvinaria vitis, Parthenolecanium corni and Planococcus ficus have been identified on grapevine. These insects cause earlier discolorations on the leaves and defoliation and consequently cause poor growth of plants and reduction of yield and crop quality. They can also transmit important plant viruses. P. vitis and P. corni are widespread in Slovenia. N. innumerabilis was found in vineyards of Primorska, while P. ficus was found mainly in greenhouses. Because of their great economic influence insecticides are used for their control. Natural enemies make a significant contribution to biological control of these insects. The biological control of scale insects is not well studied in Slovenia, although it has proved to be successful in Central Europe.