ABSTRACT
The Authors refer to some results obtained during 18 years of observations on grape moth (Lobesia botrana Den. and Schiff. and Eupoecilia ambiquella Hb.) in Venetia. The research was carried out on vineyards in the plains and on the hills. Both species normally have 3 generations. They are present throughout, but with varying degrees of frequency. With regard to the damage, experiments confirm that the infestation of the first generation does not reach the economic threshold, except on rare occasions. The second generation almost always requires treatment. Only on the late maturing cultivars is a second treatment necessary, against the third generation. Experiments have been carried out with various insecticides of different toxic classes. Observations have also been made on the role of the natural enemies in the population control of grape moths. Samples taken from numerous vineyards made it possible to note the presence, above all, of Ichneumon ids endoparasites of the chrysalids. The percentage of parasitisation is highest (up to 68X) in overwintering chrysalids, while it often appears very low (from 3% to 15%) in the spring and summer generations. Various Arachnida (Trombididae and Araneidae) show predatory activity, mostly against overwintering chrysalids.
