Pests of Grapes

Abstract

Intensive cultivation of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) leads to serious pest problem in vineyards in major grape-growing areas of India and the world. Climatic conditions in India are congenial for high production of table grapes and thus also for increased incidence of number of insect pests. Pests like mealybugs cause extensive damage in grapes both qualitatively and qunatitatively, thrips, hoppers, etc. and beetle pests like flea beetles, stem borer, stem girdler, chafer beetles, shot hole borer and several lepidopteran, mites, nematodes and vertebrate pests. Latest information on biology, damage, seasonal development and management practices of the pests is covered in this chapter. Many of the pest management practices followed in other countries are also covered in this chapter. Nowadays, pesticide residue is posing a serious problem both for export and internal market in grapes. Therefore, farmers are advised to follow the latest recommendations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune. A complete information on grape pests (except disease) occurring in different grape-growing regions of the world is also covered in this chapter.