🦠 European grapevine moth

The European grapevine moth is a moth whose caterpillars damage grapes. Its Latin name is Lobesia botrana. The moth is small and grey-brown. In spring it lays eggs on the flower buds, and later on the berries. The hatching caterpillars eat the flowers and bore into the berries.

The harm is twofold. Caterpillars eat berries, reducing the crop. More importantly, damaged skin opens the way to grey rot: the fungus enters the wounds easily and the bunch starts to rot. There are two or three generations a year. The moth is especially dangerous in warm parts of Europe, the Mediterranean, and the pest is found in other countries too.

It is fought in various ways. One is pheromone traps: they attract males or confuse them with scent, so that moths cannot find mates. Well-timed treatments help too. The grapevine moth is among grape pests and vine diseases. It remains one of the main insect pests of grapes. The European grape berry moth is a similar pest.