Management of grape pests in central California vineyards. 1. Cultural and chemical control of Platynota stultana on grapes.

Abstract

In central California vineyards the populations of Platynota stultana Walshingham were suppressed by manipulating various cultural and farm sanitation practices. The collection and destruction of leftover bunches hanging on the vines and rotten bunches and trash on the ground were of critical importance. Among the various chemicals tested, the more effective insecticides against P. stultana were methomyl, trichlorfon, Imidan® ( O, O -dimethyl phosphorodithioate S -ester with N -(mercaptomethyl) phthalimide), carbaryl + naled mixture, and azinphosmethyl. The mid-season (July) treatment seemed to be slightly more effective than the late-season (August) treatment. A management strategy employing cultural practice, and selective use of effective chemicals is suggested.