Pumpkin as an Alternate Host Plant for Laboratory Colonies of Grape Mealybug.

The grape mealybug, Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn; Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is the primary vector of Grapevine Leafroll associated Viruses (GLRaVs) in Washington State vineyards. Rearing laboratory colonies of grape mealybug has proven difficult. Several host plants were tested to determine their suitability for use as an alternate host plants for laboratory colonies of grape mealybug.