Integrated control of grape berry moth (Lobesia botrana), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator), downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and grapevine sour rot (Acetobacter spp.)

Controlling the most important vineyard pest and diseases (grape berry moth , powdery mildew, downy mildew and sour rot) was investigated in an experim ental plot in Jumilla (Murcia, SE Spain) during 1995 and 1996. Two concepts of pest control were compared: the first, traditional pest management (TPM ), was based on preventive treatments according to the established agricult ural practice of the area; and the second, integrated pest management (IPM) , required pest surveillance with treatment applied according to chosen thr esholds. The IPM method included the use of sexual pheromones in traps for pest monitoring and diffusers for mating confusion as well as the observati on of climatic data from a computerised field weather station. In 1995, gra pe berry moth was controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis while powdery mild ew and downy mildew were controlled with penconazole and a mixture of metal axyl + mancozeb + copper, respectively. During 1996, attack by grape berry moth became evident in June and powdery mildew in July while intense infest ations of downy mildew and sour rot occurred in mid September. No treatment was made in the IPM plot in this year but the vine grower applied seven tr eatments each year with pesticides. In both cases, the yield was similar (a bout 7 kg grapes/vine-stock). The IPM programme is therefore recommended to be applied by the farmers for the protection of vineyards. (C) 2000 Elsevi er Science Ltd. All rights reserved.