Forecasting tools for the management of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (Lepidptera, Tortricidae) in SW Spanish vineyards.

Introduction: The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae), represents the main pest of vineyards in the Mediterranean area. The highest population levels and heaviest economic damages are recorded in areas with annual average temperature and relative humidity around 20ºC and 70%, respectively, which are the best eco-climatic conditions for this insect.Methods: This study was developed during 12 years in the South West of Spain. Male flights of L. botrana were monitored using synthetic sex pheromone baited delta traps from the beginning of March to the end of October, checking all traps once a week. In order to achieve a reliable prediction model, data from temperature accumulations (degree-days) were plotted against conveniently transformed data from males captures.Results: Correlation coefficients obtained from log-probit linear equations were high, especially for data related to the second generation. Results showed the existence of a linear relationship between temperature accumulations and male trap catches. Moreover, average linear regressions were calculated for the second and third generations and the obtained correlation coefficients were similar for both.Conclusions: Obtained equations have shown to be acceptable in order to be considered as useful tools in the prediction of emergencies and in the future design of models to improve the effectiveness of the integrated management of Lobesia botrana in the studied area.Abstract Id: ICE2008_1268