Testing the Use of a Degree Day Model to Time Control of Grape Berry Moth (year 2)

Abstract

The goal of this two-year study is to validate the use of a temperature-driven phenology model to time the application of insecticide for the control of grape berry moth (GBM), the key insect pest of grapes in the eastern United States. This multi-state project used replicated plots in vineyards in the Finger Lakes and Lake Erie Regions of New York, the Lake Erie Region of Pennsylvania and the Southwestern region of Michigan. This report details first year results from the Lake Erie region of New York. The use of a temperature driven Phenology model to time insecticide applications for grape berry moth resulted in a decrease in the number of applications from three to two when compared to the conventional timings provided by the Grape Berry Risk Assessment Protocol.