Economic Damage and Vine Response from Simulated Cutworm Damage to Concord Grape Buds12

Abstract

Swollen, early spring Concord grape buds were removed manually for 3 years at several rates to simulate feeding by the spotted cutworm, Amathes c-nigrum (L.), and the redbacked cutworm, Euxoa ochrogaster (Guenee). Although the vines partially compensated for bud loss by growing secondary buds, yield in the year of bud removal was reduced. In the year after bud damage, the debudded vines increased their yields relative to the controls. Levels for economic damage were established and found to vary from 1–5% of the buds.