Damage to grape flowers and berries by Lobesia botrana larvae (Denis & Schiffernuller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), and relation to larval age

Background and Aims: Evaluation of pest damage and the population age of the pest are key factors in integrated pest management. Gaining such knowledge, however, can be time consuming and difficult in larvae that have cryptic habits, such as the European grapevine moth (EGVM, Lobesia botrana). An alternative is to measure the damage caused by different larval instars. Damage caused by different EGVM larval instars was described over 3 consecutive years. Methods and Results: The first two larval generations of wild EGVM were sampled in an experimental vineyard in the Bordeaux area, France; 1945 samples of larval damage to inflorescences were collected and instars determined. Significant correlations were described between both in each generation. Conclusions: Quantification of plant damage monitoring has potential to assist with assessing the characteristics of EGVM populations. Significance of the Study: Using crop injury or damage to determine larval stage should provide a rapid and convenient method for pest management.