The grape cluster moth, Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a key pest of grapes with a wide distribution in vineyards in Europe and America. Its impact is expected to become more exacerbated in the coming years due to the global increase in temperatures. Sustainable management tools for L. botrana, such as preventive or cultural measures like the use of pheromones, are widely accepted among grape growers. However, they also have their limitations, such as a minimum application area of 0.5 hectares or restrictions on the use of plastics in the fields. Therefore, providing new control tools compatible with organic production also has great potential, especially in the context of the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce pesticides by 50% by 2030 and expand organic production by up to 25%. Therefore, expanding the available biocontrol agents can provide new management strategies compatible with organic viticulture.
Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are considered a promising alternative for the biological control of L. botrana. Previous research by the IN-Vid group has demonstrated their potential in combating different developmental stages of this pest (for more information, https://doi.org/10.3390/insects12111033). However, bringing this solution to the field requires optimizing their application to improve their survival and effectiveness.
The objective of a recent study conducted by the IN-Vid research team was to determine the most favorable ecological conditions for the successful application of EPNs in the fight against the grape cluster moth. This study involved the assessment of the viability, infectivity, and adherence of EPNs on leaves in relation to different adjuvants. Furthermore, the ability of EPNs to control the larvae of the grape cluster moth on leaves and grapes was examined, as well as the reduction of damage caused by the pest. The results of the study indicate that EPNs (combined with the adjuvant Maximix or with water) significantly increased the mortality of the most voracious larvae of the grape cluster moth, specifically larvae in the L3 stage. This improvement in mortality translated into a reduction in damage to grapes and leaves. Additionally, it was observed that the effectiveness of EPNs decreases at low temperatures, suggesting that applications at moderate temperatures are more conducive to achieving optimal control.
Finally, the study proposes an ideal scenario for the application of EPNs: at dusk, during late spring and early autumn, when temperatures range between 15°C and 22°C.
More information:
Campos-Herrera, R., González-Trujillo, M.M., Vicente-Díez., I., Carpentero, E., Puelles, M., Vaquero, E., Cepulyte, R., 2023. Exploring entomopathogenic nematodes for the management 1 of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in vineyards: fine-tuning of application, target area, and timing. Crop Protection, in press, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2023.106392
Latest news
