Vitacea Polistiformis Research Articles

Assessing the Potential of Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Control the Grape Root Borer Vitacea polistiformis (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Through Laboratory and Greenhouse Bioassays

Seventeen entomopathogenic nematode species and strains were evaluated for virulence to the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) in laboratory and greenhouse bioassays. Heterohabditis bacteriophora strain GPS11 and H. zealandica strain X1 produced a larval mortality rate of over 85% of larvae embedded in the root cambium in laboratory bioassays. The nematode species H. marelata and H. bacteriophora strain Oswego produced mortality rates of over 75%. Of the Steinernema species tested, S. carpocapsae strain 'All' performed the best with a mortality rate of 69%. All other nematode species and strains tested, with the exception of S. bicornutum , produced some degree of larval mortality. In the greenhouse bioassays, 93% control was achieved with H. zealandica strain X1 applied at 4 2 109 infective juveniles (IJs) acre1 -1 (9.88 2 10 9 IJs ha -1 ). H. bacteriophora strain GPS11 successfully reproduced in grape root borer larvae. The numbers of IJs produced within infected larvae were related to larval size. The survival rate of neonate larvae on grape root sections was 61%, which thus provides a means to rear the neonate larvae for bioassays.

Electroantennogram Responses of Both Sexes of Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) to Synthetic Female Sex Pheromone

The effect of mating status and sex on antennal response to sex pheromone components was tested in the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris). The grape root borer pheromone is a 99:1 blend of (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate (EZ) and (Z,Z)-3,13- octadecadien-1-ol acetate (ZZ). Antennae of both virgin male and female moths exhibited similar dose—response patterns, with a threshold dosage of 1 mg of the EZ:ZZ blend on filter paper. Four treatments were tested at a dose of 5 mg on filter paper: EZ, ZZ, a blend of 99:1 EZ:ZZ, and the alcohol (E,Z)-2,13-octadecadien-1-ol (EZ-OH). Male antennae responded significantly to all compounds, regardless of mating status. Virgin female antennae responded significantly to all compounds, although their responses were significantly lower than the responses of male antennae. However, female antennae were relatively more responsive to EZ-OH than male antennae. Mated female antennae responded significantly to EZ and 99:1 EZ:ZZ. Pheromone detection by females has considerable implications to mating disruption strategies.

Female Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Mating Success Under Synthetic Sesiid Sex Pheromone Treatment

Field observations of virgin female grape root borers (Vitacea polistiformis Harris) were made throughout daylight periods under different pheromone treatments and doses. The pheromone compounds used were: the grape root borer pheromone, a 99:1 blend of E,Z-2,13-octadecadien-l-ol acetate (EZ) and Z,Z-3,13-octadecadien-l-ol acetate (ZZ); EZ alone; and ZZ alone. Two different pheromone dispensers were used – rubber septa and Shin-Etzu twist-tie ropes. Treatments with 99:1 EZ: ZZ and 100% ZZ significantly reduced the ability of females to attract a mate. Shin-Etzu ropes were the most effective dispenser for prevention of mating.

Physical Barriers as a Means to Reduce Grape Root Borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), Infestations in Vineyards and in Greenhouse Muscadine Plants2

Grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), larval populations were apparently reduced in an old abandoned muscadine vineyard when physical barriers (ground cloth) and other methods were used in a 3-yr test. Statistical differences among treatments for any one year did not exist, but overall larval counts were statistically lower at the end (1991) than at the beginning (1989) of the test. Weed Barrier, a ground cloth, was consistently effective in reducing neonate larval penetration by 42 – 45% in potted muscadine (‘Fry’) plants in the greenhouse during studies in 1990 and 1992. Also, significantly fewer larvae became established in roots of plants in the weed barrier treatment than in the no-barrier treatment. An experimental woven polypropylene was less effective.

Activity of Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Southern Mississippi

Muscadine grape vines were excavated from vineyards in southern Mississippi and examined for damage caused by the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), and for the presence of borer larvae. Generally, young vines (<12 yr old) had no visible root borer damage and no borers were present; vines 12 to 15 yr old had moderate damage and borers were present; older vines had severe damage and borers were present. Grape root borer populations were monitored over 5 yr with pheromone traps. No moths were trapped before 15 June or after 2 October. Peak moth captures occurred from 15 July through 2 September. These data indicate that vineyards in southern Mississippi should be treated with an insecticide during the 2nd or 3rd wk of July for effective grape root borer control.

Seasonal Flight Activity of Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Florida

The seasonal flight activity of grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), was monitored with sticky traps baited with a 99:1 blend of the sex pheromone (E, Z)-2,13-octadecadienyl acetate and (Z, Z)-3,13-octadecadienyl acetate, at nine locations in Florida. In northern Florida, at Chattahoochee, Freeport, and Alachua, flight activity began in June or early July and continued through October. In central Florida, at Leesburg, Kathleen, and Alva, activity began in late July or early August and often continued into December. On the west coast, at Odessa, emergence began earlier (late June) than at central inland sites and ended by mid- to late November. On the east coast, at Fort Pierce, the first grape root borers were trapped in early May, and flight activity continued into December. On the lower east coast, at Miami, the first grape root borers were trapped in late July with flight activity continuing through December. A few moths were captured in Miami in January in both years that traps were operated.

Evaluation of Lorsban 4 E for Grape Root Borer Control, 1991

Abstract This trial was conducted in a 25-yr-old commercial ‘Catawba’ vineyard near Mountain Grove, MO. The experimental design was completely randomized with 2 replications. Each plot consisted of 3 rows each containing 66 vines. Lorsban 4 E was applied in a 3 ft wide band under the trellis row at the rate of 6.13 qt in 272 gal water/acre on 28 Jul 1987, 23 Jul 1988, and 25 Jul 1989. Because the grape root borer has a 2-year life cycle, evaluation for control of newly hatched larvae entering the soil was made by determining the number of adults emerging from the soil under treated and untreated vines 2 years after treatment. Evaluation consisted of examining the soil surface under all vines in the middle row of each plot for pupal exuviae on 15 Aug 1989, 9 Aug 1990, and 8 Aug 1991, after peak adult emergence had occurred.

Control of Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) by Mating Disruption with Two Synthetic Sex Pheromone Compounds

The pheromone ( E,Z )-2,13-octadecadien-1 ol acetate [called ( E,Z )-2,13-ODDA] or ( Z,Z )-3,13-octadecadien-1 ol acetate [called ( Z,Z )-3,13-ODDA; the main component of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), sex pheromone and mating disruption dispenser] was released into the air from Shin-Etsu ropes (254 per hectare [100 per acre]) in whole bunch grape vineyards and compared with untreated vineyards using a randomized block design (four replicates). Pherocon IC traps baited with a 99:1 blend of ( E,Z )-2,13-ODDA:( Z,Z )-3,13-ODDA were used to monitor the seasonal number of grape root borer males, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris). These trap captures were significantly reduced by 99.1 and 87.5% in the vineyards treated with ( E,Z )-2,13-ODDA and ( Z,Z )-3,13-ODDA, respectively, compared with the untreated vineyard mean capture of 134.0 males. The ( Z,Z )-3,13-ODDA-treated vineyards realized a mean grape root borer pupal skin reduction of 92.7% over a 2-yr period (life cycle), which was significantly different than the mean count from the untreated vineyards (17.2% increase). The mean pupal skin count reduction of 65.7% from the ( E,Z )-2,13-ODDA-treated vineyards was not significantly different from either the ( Z,Z )-3,13-ODDA-treated or untreated vineyards. This lower mean reduction was attributed to only one ( E,Z )-2,13-ODDA-treated vineyard that probably experienced immigration of mated feral females from an untreated vineyard 200 m to the southwest. It appears that placement of 254 ties per hectare per season of either compound alone in isolated vineyards with a low to moderate population of grape root borers may be an effective and environmentally safe alternative to insecticide treatments for control of the grape root borer.

Annotated Bibliography of the Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae)

An annotated bibliography of the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) is presented. The entries include information on the biology, control, damage impact, distribution, and importance of the species in the eastern United States. This pest is of growing importance to the commercial grape industry.

The Seasonal Occurrence of the Grape Root Borer, (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in the Eastern United States2

The Grape Root Borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) was trapped during 1985, 1986, and 1987 in seven, nine, and 13 eastern states, respectively, with pure (E,Z)-2,13 octadecadienyl acetate or a 99:1 blend of (E,Z)-2,13 octadecadienyl acetate and (Z,Z)-3,13 Octadecadienyl acetate. The length of adult activity periods ranged from six months in Florida to two or three months in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. Bimodal peaks of activity occurred most commonly in the South, and single peaks were most common in the North. Activity usually began in all states (except Central Florida) in June or early July, with principal activity occurring in August in the extreme South, in late July in the central states, and about the first of July in the northern states. In Central Florida, flight began in late July with principal activity in September. Twelve other species of sesiid moths were also collected with the sex attractant, including large numbers of Melittia cucurbitae (Harris), Paranthrene simulans (Grote), and Paranthrene asilipennis (Boisduval).

Distribution and Seasonal Flight Activity of Male Grape Root Borers (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) in Ohio

Male grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), captures in pheromone traps were recorded weekly in six commercial vineyards in Ohio in 1986 and 1987. Pheromone traps were also placed in 98 other locations in the state to determine the pest’s distribution. Weekly trapping data revealed that male grape root borers had begun to emerge by 25 June in all of the vineyards monitored in 1986. In 1987, male moths had begun to emerge by 24 June in two vineyards, and by 1 July in a third vineyard. Peak captures were recorded on 30 July 1986, 6 August 1986, 29 July 1987, 22 July 1987, and 5 August 1987 at various locations within Ohio. The last captures in 1986 were on 3 September, and in 1987 the last captures were 2 September. The duration of male moth flight period ranged from 56 to 70 d. Monitoring in other Ohio counties revealed that 38 were infested with the pest. Five other sesiid moth species were collected in the traps at various locations.

Captures of Clearwing Moths (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) with Various Octadecadienyl Acetates and Alcohols in Central Georgia During 1983–1985

Thirteen species from six genera in the family Sesiidae were collected during 1983–1985 in traps baited with single isomers or blends of 2,13 and 3,13 octadecadienyl acetates and alcohols. (E,Z)-2,13 octadecadienyl acetate was shown to be highly attractive to Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), Paranthrene asilipennis (Boisduval), P. simulans (Grote), and Synanthedon acerrubri (Engelhardt). Captures of three species were improved by the addition of 2,13 isomers to 3,13 isomers, and the first seasonal plots based on captures in pheromone traps are shown for three species.

THE ATTRACTION OF THE GRAPE ROOT BORER, VITACEA POLISTIFORMIS (HARRIS) (LEPIDOPTERA: SESIIDAE) TO (E,Z)-2,13 OCTADECADIENYL ACETATE AND THE EFFECTS OF RELATED ISOMERS ON ATTRACTION1

The addition of one (1) percent (Z,Z)-3,13 octadecadienyl acetate to the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis (Harris), pheromone, (E,Z)-2,13 octadecadienyl acetate greatly increases capture of males in sticky traps. The numbers collected increased from 3 to 7 times depending on the test, location and time of year. The new blend is sufficiently attractive to provide an effect monitoring system for the species.

EVALUATION OF HERCON LAMINATED DISPENSERS BAITED WITH Z,Z-3,13-OCTADECADIEN-l OL ACETATE FOR SUPPRESSION OF THE GRAPE ROOT BORER, VITACEA POLISTIFORMIS (HARRIS), (LEPIDOPTERA: SESIIDAE), POPULATIONS IN GRAPES1

Z,Z-3,13-Octadecadien-l ol acetate (hereafter called Z,Z-ODDA), the major pheromone component of the peachtree borer, Synanthedon exitiosa (Say), was evaluated in grape vineyards in Arkansas and North Carolina as a mating disruptant and population suppressant of the grape root borer (GRB), Vitacea polistiformis (Harris). An analysis of covariance was performed using the presence and absence of pheromone as the treatment grouping and the initial 1981 GRB emergence data from each plot as the covariate. The adjusted (least squares) mean number of GRB pupal skins per pheromone-treated plot in 1983 was significantly less (P = 0.088) than the number of skins counted in the check plots, indicating that the GRB density decreased two fold faster in the pheromone-treated plots than in the check plots. Field observations showed that the attractancy and eventual mating with calling GRB females by conspecific males was reduced to nearly zero in the plots air-permeated with Z,Z-ODDA. The GRB population decreased in all untreated plots except one where it actually increased. The decreases were attributed to low rainfall throughout the GRB egg hatch period whereas the increase in one plot was attributed to more rainfall and use of overhead irrigation.

Prevention Strategies for Grape Root Borer (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) Infestations in Concord Grape Vineyards

Tests evaluating various prevention control strategies for the grape root borer (GRB) ( Vitacea polistiformis [Harris]) revealed that chlorpyrifos residues in vineyard soils were lethal to recently hatched larvae for at least 4 weeks. GLC analysis of treated soil indicated that >90% of chlorpyrifos residues were retained in the 0 to 3 cm layer. Also, the half life of chlorpyrifos applied to the surface of Cecil sandy loam soil in the test vineyard was ca. 3 weeks. Granule and EC treatments of chlorpyrifos were equally effective at a rate of 2.3 kg (AI)/1,000 linear m. Soil treatments of chlorpyrifos, methyl parathion, carbaryl, but not lindane, (2.3 kg [AI]/1,000 linear m) inhibited GRB egg hatching. Chlorpyrifos and other insecticides were not highly toxic to GRB pupae and did not inhibit adult emergence in treated soil. However, laboratory bioassay of the contact toxicity of foliar applied insecticides revealed that adult male moths succumb to a variety of insecticides, including chlorpyrifos. Mounding of soil under vines resulted in a significant reduction (83%) in adult emergence.

Association of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode populations with natural control of first-instar larvae of the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis, in concord grape vineyards

Four Concord grape vineyards in Georgia were examined to determine the levels of infestation by the grape root borer, Vitacea polistiformis. Additionally, the soil at each vineyard site was assayed to determine relative levels of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode activity. An inverse correlation was shown to exist between severity of V. polistiformis infestation and activity of the entomophilic rhabditoid nematode fauna in the vineyard soils. Laboratory and field bioassays determined the susceptibility of first-instar grape root borer to the entomophilic rhabditoid nematode, Neoaplectana carpocapsae. This insect-nematode interaction was posited as a mechanism of natural control of grape root borer populations. Augmentation of entomophilic rhabditoid nematode populations during the critical period of oviposition and eclosion is suggested as a preventative control technique for V. polistiformis.

(E,Z)-2,13-octadecadien-1-ol acetate. A new pheromone structure for sesiid moths

(E,Z)-1,13-Octadecadien-1-ol acetate was identified from ovipositor extracts of the grape root borer and was shown to attract males of the species.

Soil Treatment with Chlorpyrifos for Control of First Instar Grape Root Borers, 1981

Abstract Soil around 14-18-yr-old concord grape vines was treated with a full cone spray using 3.8 liter per vine. A swath 0.75 m wide x 1 .0 m long was sprayed on each side of a vine. Plots were 5 consecutive vines located at random within a 2.5 ha vineyard (Gainesville, GA) and a 0.5 ha vineyard (BlairsviIle, GA). Soil within the treated areas was scraped 7 cm deep 7 and 14 days after treatment for bioassay of efficacy to first instar grape root borers. Bioassays used vials (1 cm dia x 4 cm) with young grape roots at the bottom. Treated soil was added to fill 2 cm of the vial. Five freshly hatched grape root borer larvae were placed on the soil surface in each vial. Seven days later soil and roots were removed, examined, and the number dead/iive larvae determined. Each treatment was replicated 3-8 times.

Weed Control in ‘Concord’ Grapes in Arkansas1

Abstract Midsummer grapehoeing following spring application of diuron [3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea] or simazine [2-chloro-4,6-bis(ethylamino)-s-triazine] plus paraquat (1,1’-dimethyl-4,4’-bipyridinium ion) adequately controlled weeds growing in grapes (Vitis labrusca L.). When grapehoeing was used to control grape root borer [(Vitacea polistiformis Harris) lower initial rates of preemergence herbicide could be used. An additional half-rate of herbicide was required after grapehoeing to maintain weed control through the fall. Plots not grapehoed were almost completely weed free following a glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] treatment. Injury to grapes the following spring was associated with fall glyphosate applications where low hanging foliage, that had not been removed, intercepted the spray. Glyphosate was most effective and paraquat more effective than dinoseb (2-sec-buty1-4,6-dinitrophenol) plus diesel fuel for postemergence control of weeds in grapes. Preemergence herbicides, napropamide [2-(α-naphthoxy)-N,N-diethylpropionamide], norflurazon [4-chloro-5-(methylamino)-2-(α,α,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinone], oxadiazon [2-tert-buty1-4-(2,4-dichloro-5-isopropoxyphenyl)-∆2-l,3,4-oxadiazolin-5-one], oryzalin (3,5-dinitro-N4,N4-dipropylsulfanilamide), and oxyfluorfen [2-chloro-1-(3-ethoxy-4-nitrophenoxy)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene], were effective as residual type treatments.

Damage Impact of Larval Feeding by the Grape Root Borer in a Commercial Concord Grape Vineyard1

The impact of larval feeding by Vitacea polistiformis (Harris) on commercial grape vines in north central Georgia is described by a set of multiple regression equations where the response variables are grape vine yield parameters and the concomitant variables are 2 indices of grape root borer (GRB) infestation level. Correlations between total (cane + berry) yield and 2 GRB infestation level parameters indicate that 21% increase in trunk base girdling by larval feeding is associated with a 90% reduction in total (berry + cane) yield, and the accumulation of 42 or more larval feeding sites in the root system can cause death of grape vines.