- Author: Larry J Bettiga
The wait for the Third Edition of Grape Pest Management is over. The new edition of this popular resource, first published in 1981, consolidates knowledge of the biology and management of pests that affect California wine, raisin, and table grape vineyards, in one comprehensive, highly readable source. Grape production in California had a farm gate value of $4.4 billion in 2012. Because grape pests affect both the quantity and the quality of grapes, the goal of grape pest management is to minimize economic losses through pest management practices.
At nearly 650 pages, the third edition of Grape Pest Management was written to help growers and pest control advisors apply the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM is an integrated pest-management approach that combines methods that work better together than when applied separately; thus it remains the most effective, long-term strategy for managing pests. Grape Pest Management can assist growers in implementing the best possible management practices.
Publishing Stats: Title: Grape Pest Management Third Edition Chapters: Nine Sections Photographs: 766; Illustrations: 49 Bug Boxes: 45 Pages: 623 Format: Soft cover Price: $100 Available online at: anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu |
- Author: Larry J Bettiga
European grapevine moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana, was detected in several Napa County vineyards in the fall of 2009. Native to Mediterranean Europe this invasive insect’s preferred host is grape. Although it is related to other tortricid moths found in vineyards (orange tortrix and omnivorous leafroller) it does not tie leaves together or feed on leaf tissue. EGVM larvae feed on grape flower parts and berries. Late season feeding on berries results in increased incidence of bunch rots.
The adult moth is approximately ¼ inch long with the first pair of wings having a mosaic-pattern (fig.1). Eggs are laid singly which is different than the overlapping egg masses of other vineyard tortricid moths. There are five larval instars. The fully-grown fifth instar is approximately ½ inch (fig. 2). Mature larvae spin a cocoon in which they pupate.
In response to the Napa County finds a statewide trapping program was started in March 2010 to determine if EGVM exists in other grape growing areas of California. The program is a coordinated effort between the county agricultural commissioners, CDFA and USDA. Specific pheromone lures in red “Delta” sticky traps are being used. Early results from the 2010 trapping program has expanded the quarantine area in Napa County and moths have been caught in traps in Sonoma, Solano, Mendocino and Fresno Counties.
Growers wanting to conduct their own trapping programs can purchase the traps and the EGVM specific pheromone lure from commercial vendors.
Additional Information:
UC website: http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/EXOTIC/eurograpevinemoth.html
CDFA website:
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/PHPPS/egvm/index.html
Figure 1. Adult female EGVM |
Figure 2. Earlier stages of EGVM larvae are tan to yellow-brown, while latter stages become dark colored. |