3.2.5 Grape

Abstract

Publisher Summary Eriophyoids are among the most important mite pests of grapevine. The most common and injurious species are Colomerus vitis and the grape rust mite, Calepitrimerus vitis. This chapter discusses the most relevant data on the biology, ecology, and control of these species. According to the behavior of Colomerus vitis and the type of injury they produce, three strains can be distinguished: erineum, bud, and leaf curl strain. The erineum strain occurs widespread in all viticultural areas. Females overwinter under outer scales of dormant buds and under bark crevices at the insertion point between the shoots and two-year-old branches. When the buds swell, the females resume their activity and colonize the unfolding leaves. The economic importance of grape eriophyids is an open question. The bud strain of Col. vitis is considered harmful in some countries, but is a minor pest in others. The same applies to Cal. vitis in Europe and in North-America. In some countries, the use of specific acaricides to control grape eriophyoids is considerable. This may lead to the development of pesticide resistance that creates a new problem for the future.