BioControl (2018) 63, 687-695

Theresa Pennington, Jo Marie Reiff, Konrad Theiss, Martin H. Entling and Christoph Hoffmann (2018)
Reduced fungicide applications improve insect pest control in grapevine
BioControl 63 (5), 687-695
Abstract: Agricultural intensification is a major driver of biodiversity decline in many species including arthropods. This may also affect important ecosystem services such as natural pest regulation. Traditional grapevine varieties rely on a high number of fungicide applications, which can be greatly reduced in novel fungus resistant cultivars. Additionally, in contrast to the traditional trellis system, the semi-minimal pruned hedge offers a structurally more diverse habitat for arthropods. We investigated natural control of the grapevine pest Lobesia botrana ([Denis and Schiffermüller], 1775) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with artificial inoculation of grape bunches, egg baits, camera surveillance and beatsheet sampling of predators. Reduced fungicide applications enhanced densities of L. botrana predators along with increased egg predation and reduced damage of inoculated grape bunches. Minimal pruning did not have a clear effect. Improved pest control potential adds to other advantages of reduced fungicide applications. Planting fungus-resistant varieties should be augmented, potentially also in other crop systems that rely heavily on fungicides.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Theresa Pennington, Christoph Hoffmann

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
health/environmental effects of pesticides
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
resistance to pesticides

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Lobesia botrana	Grapevine (Vitis)