Malkie Spodek, Scientist at Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, has tested the effectiveness of two types of fungi to protect vines from mealybug infestation.
There may soon be a new way to keep unwanted and harmful visitors out of vineyards.
While grape mealybugs are commonly treated with a systemic insecticide, research at Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is exploring an alternative to combat the virus-transmitting bugs.
Earlier this year, CCOVI Scientist Malkie Spodek tested the ability of two types of entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium brunneum to protect vines from grape mealybug infestation. The diverse group of fungi infect and cause diseases in insects, eventually killing them.
Mealybugs small, soft-bodied insects with a waxy coating are pests in vineyards, nurseries, greenhouse crops, floriculture and cannabis cultivation.
