Seasonal abundance of Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) in Jahrom vineyards, Fars Province-Iran

The vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) has been found in most grape-production areas throughout the world. The damage of the pest has increased on grape in some parts of Fars province-Iran during recent years. Some ecological aspects of vine mealybug were studied in vineyards in Jahrom during 2008-2009. Seasonal abundance of vine mealybugwas monitored by time-consuming examination technique. In geographical condition of Jahrom vineyards P. ficus has 5 generations of seasonal abundance from April to November. After fifth generation all stages of P. ficus (female adult, nymphal instars and egg) overwintered on root from late November to next March. Population density of female adult and nymphal instars increased rapidly in May and has a great decline after harvest in August. Vine mealybugs were found in trunk in spring, leaves, buds and fruit in summer, however, the mealybugs always were found in protected locations (under the bark of the trunk).