POTENTIAL OF MATING DISRUPTION USING SEX PHEROMONE FOR CONTROLLING THE GRAPE BERRY MOTH, ENDOPIZA VITEANA (CLEMENS) (LEPIDOPTERA: TORTRICIDAE), IN NIAGARA PENINSULA, ONTARIO VINEYARDS

Abstract The efficacy of mating disruption for controlling the grape berry moth, Endopiza viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was evaluated from 1987 to 1989 in the Niagara peninsula, Ont. Mating disruption was tested in commercial vineyards with high-, moderate-, and low-density grape berry moth populations using the Biocontrol Ltd. tape-type and wire-type pheromone dispensers. Pheromone-baited trap catches were reduced by 92% or more in plots treated with pheromone. Treatment with pheromone significantly reduced damage (percentage infested clusters) compared with an untreated control in each of two tests, and provided control as good as or better than an insecticide control programme in two of four tests. Damage increased from 1.3- to 12.8-fold between successive generations in plots treated with pheromone, and was greater on the borders of some plots treated with pheromone or insecticide. It is concluded that mating disruption may have potential as a control method for use in the integrated management of E. viteana.