Yet another new pest arrived in California in late 2009: the European Grapevine Moth, or Lobesia botrana. The first detection in the United States was in Napa County in September 2009. Since that first confirmed detection, European Grapevine Moth (EGVM) has been found on more than 30 properties in Napa County, mostly in the Oakville and Rutherford areas.
EGVM is a big concern for vineyard owners and grape growers. The moth larvae pack a double whammy—not only do they impact the fruit, they make the plants more vulnerable to botrytis bunch rot, which can greatly impact grape production. Unlike other moths, EGVM eggs are laid on blossoms, leaves and tender twigs, and larvae feed in flowers and fruit, affecting more than the leaves or bark. The combination of damage from moth larvae and botrytis bunch rot can decimate a harvest.
Author: Helene Wright, California State Plant Health Director, USDA - APHIS, Helene Wright, California State Plant Health Director, USDA - APHIS | Tags: