40120161 asked 8 years ago
I have one Black Hamburg grapevine in a glasshouse. It is 30 years old. Grape crops were excellent up to 6 years ago when it was attacked by mealybugs brought in on an ornamental plant. How can I get rid of this pest chemically? I have tried control by cleaning off old bark, squashing egg-nests, etc., but the pest lives on despite these efforts.
1 Answers
Gerry Daly Staff answered 6 years ago
Mealy bugs are difficult to clear, because they are very flat and shelter in tiny crevices and they have waxy coat that helps deflect sprays.
Organically, you might try spraying thoroughly with vegetable oil 50 ml dispersed by 10 drops of washing up liquid in 1 litre of water. The oil smothers the insect, but you need to be very thorough.
Or use a garden insectide such as Plant Rescue, also very thoroughly.
Repeat every 2 weeks until all mealy bugs are gone.
