REDIA (2006) 89, 87-97

M. Martinez, D. Coutinot, K. Hoelmer and J. Denis (2006)
Suitability of European Diptera tachinid parasitoids of Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) and Eupoecilia ambiguella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae) for introduction against grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera Tortricidae), in North America
REDIA 89, 87-97
Abstract: The North American grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (= Endopiza viteana) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is native to eastern North America, where it can be a serious pest of grapes in cultivation. In recent years, pesticide resistance and loss of registered compounds have increased interest in biological methods of berry moth control. Parasitism by native North American natural enemies is inadequate to suppress populations. No tachinid parasitoids of P. viteana have been reported in North America, in contrast to several reported attacking grape berry moths in Europe. To determine the potential suitability of European tachinid parasitoids that attack ecologically comparable grape berry moths (Lobesia botrana and Eupoecilia ambiguella) in Europe as agents of P. viteana, we conducted a literature review of the host specificity of the tachinid flies reported to parasitize the European grape berry moths. An extensive bibliographic search revealed that none of the 7 tachinids would be regarded as suitable for introduction to the USA against P. viteana because of their relative lack of host specificity, the low rate of parasitism reported in nature, or previous experiences of unsuccessful release. We concluded, however, that it may be worthwhile to survey populations of the two European grape berry moths more extensively than has been done to date, as this might reveal species of tachinid parasitoids not yet reported that are more specialized and more abundant under natural conditions.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Kim A. Hoelmer

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
review

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Lobesia botrana	Grapevine (Vitis)	Italy
	Eupoecilia ambiguella	Grapevine (Vitis)	Italy
	Paralobesia viteana	Grapevine (Vitis)