The grape berry moth,Lobesia botranaDenis & Schiffermueller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in pear orchards in Israel1

Abstract

Abstract The European grape berry moth, Lobesia botrana Denis & Schiffermueller (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is, in its larval stage, one of the most serious pests of grapes. It is also a pest of roses in greenhouses and of many ornamental and wild plants. During the past decade in Israel, Lobesia botrana has begun to cause damage to pear (Pyrus communis) orchards. Integrated pest management methods were implemented which resulted in a drastic decrease in the cumulative use of non‐selective pesticides and in the number of treatments. The objectives of the present study were to examine the efficacy of some new pheromone preparations, visual determination of damage to fruit yield, and assessment of pesticide formulations for application. To monitor pest populations in pear orchards during the flight period traps baited with pheromones were introduced. Biocontrol research was carried out using Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner preparations. The efficiency of these formulations against the pest has been established.