Mealybug

Mealybugs are significant pests of grapes and apples in New Zealand. Controlling mealybugs in grapes is very important as they transmit Grape Leaf Roll Virus (GLRV3). Mealybugs are sap sucking hidden pests that prefer sheltered and protected sites on plants. Often the first indication of their presence is sooty mould which grows on the honeydew produced from mealybug feeding.

Related Pests

Thrips

Thrips are a rasping feeding pest that can cause economic damage on several crops including avocados and stonefruit. Their feeding causes bronzing and marking on fruit surfaces reducing the marketable value of the crop.

Armoured Scales

Several species of armoured scales are significant pests of fruit crops in New Zealand including apples, kiwifruit, grapes and citrus. Armoured scales are sucking pests which can debilitate plants that are heavily infested but are of primary importance as their presence on fruit is a quarantine issue in many export markets. Armoured scale adults are small immobile insects with a protective shell like cap that varies in colour depending on species.

Bronze Beetle

Eucolaspis brunnea

The adult form of the New Zealand grass grub is commonly called bronze beetle (Eucolaspis brunnea). Flights of the beetles in late spring can cause damage to fruit trees including apples. On apples the beetle chews leaves and fruits causing scalloping marks on fruit.