Adult Population Dynamics of the European Grapevine Moth [Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)] in Midyat Vineyards

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the adult population change, the period when they are active in nature, and the number of generations of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana [Denis & Schiffermüller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)]. The study was carried out in vineyards having the Mazruni variety (unregistered), which is the most common grape in Midyat district of Mardin province, between 2014 and 2015. The results indicated that adults of the moths were first encountered in the pheromone traps in early April, and the pest population was high in both years (an average of 2173 adults/traps in 2014 and 1615 adults/traps in 2015). According to the results, the pest gives three generations, and three or four peaks (three main peaks during the season and a low peak at the end of the season) occur in the vegetation period of grapes. These peaks coincide with the flowering period (May 8-16), the berry (chickpea size) period (June 27-July 6), the sweetening period of the grains (July 27-August 15), and the sweetening-harvest period (September 17-19), respectively. The pest remains active in vineyards for approximately seven months, thereafter overwinters between late October and early November. The results obtained provide essential information that helps pest control at the appropriate time.