Effect of Leaf Removal and Insecticide Applications on Population Densities of Leafhoppers and Mites Associated with Grapevines.

In this study, we tested the effects of mechanical leaf removal, insecticide application, and their interaction on leafhoppers and phytophagous and predatory mites occurring in two vineyards over three growing seasons. Leaf removal was performed in the fruit zone using a two-head pulsed air leaf remover, while insecticides were applied with a tunnel air-assisted sprayer at the maximum dose/ha recommended on the product label. Results demonstrated the efficacy of insecticide application in reducing the population densities of leafhoppers but also their detrimental effects on predatory mites.

Efficacy of Conventional and Organic Insecticides against : Field and Semi-Field Trials.

is the main vector of phytoplasmas associated with Flavescence dorée (FD), one of the most serious threats to viticulture in many European countries. To minimize the spread of this disease, mandatory control measures against were decided in Europe. In the 1990s, the repeated application of insecticides (mainly organophosphates) proved to be an effective measure to control the vector and the related disease in north-eastern Italy.

(Blandford, 1894) on Grapevines in Italy with a Compilation of World Scolytine Weevils Developing on Vitaceae.

The invasive ambrosia beetle (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) is recorded for the first time infesting wine grapes in Italy. The type of the attack is illustrated and the possible causes of the onset of the infestation are discussed. Furthermore, given the continuously increasing number of alien wood-borer beetles introduced worldwide, we provide and discuss the updated world checklist of Scolytinae attacking Vitaceae, and sp.

Evaluating the Impact of Two Generalist Predators on the Leafhopper Population Density.

Outbreaks of the Nearctic leafhopper represent a threat to vinegrowers in Southern Europe, in particular in North-eastern Italy. The pest outbreaks are frequent in organic vineyards because insecticides labeled for organic viticulture show limited effectiveness towards leafhoppers. On the other hand, the naturally occurring predators and parasitoids of in vineyards are often not able to keep leafhopper densities at acceptable levels for vine-growers.