Increase in Grape Berry Moth Mating Disruption Last Season

Mating disruption (MD) for management of grape berry moth (GBM) had a dramatic increase last season in Niagara, rising from around 1000 acres treated in 2005 to almost 2000 acres in 2006. There are numerous reasons for this increase and recent less-than-ideal results in some vineyards using conventional insecticides for GBM is certainly one of them.

At present, there is one GBM MD product in our market - Isomate GBM Plus - which is a season- long product lasting 150 days. Application of these "twist ties" should occur before a significant part of the GBM population is flying and mating. This normally occurs around the end of May or beginning of June; listen to the Niagara crop and pest report for details of regional GBM monitoring (905-562-4345 or 1-800-610-7347).

Isomate GBM Plus ties should be twisted onto the top wire and the label rate should be used in sites of at least 5 acres. Reducing the rate or treating smaller areas may not provide satisfactory results, especially in areas with high local populations. Not all sites are suitable for MD, so it's best to work with a consultant when beginning an MD program. Monitoring is an important part of all pest management programs and this is true for MD strategies as well.

If you're considering using MD products, a good source of background information is the OMAFRA factsheet Mating disruption for management of insect pests, Order No. 03-079.

Related Links:

• Mating disruption for management of insect pests, OMAFRA Factsheet Order no. 03-079
  

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