The Impact of Microbial and Botanical Insecticides on Grape Berry Moths and Their Effects on Secondary Pests and Beneficials

According to the European Directive 2009/128/EC and subsequent provisions activated in member states, conventional pesticides should be progressively replaced by “non-chemical tools and/or measures”. The identification of reliable alternatives is crucial achieve this objective. A project (PURE) was funded investigate topic with reference annual perennial crops. In framework, a number natural insecticides, particular microbial botanical ones (Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. kurstaki, Beauveria bassiana, azadirachtin, pyrethrins spinosad) were selected test their effectiveness against grape berry moths, key pests most vineyards. Trials conducted 2011 2012 two experimental vineyards located Italy (Tuscany Veneto regions), following randomized block design. Additional investigations carried out region during 2013. Trial results stressed high performance spinosad B. controlling moth densities related damage. use bassiana mixed did not significantly improve impact alone. Azadirachtin, especially pyrethrins, proved less effective on moths than previous insecticides. insecticides caused side-effects secondary pests, leafhoppers. 2011, Empoasca vitis higher spinosad-treated plots probably because reduced egg parasitization rate. One year later, population density Zygina rhamni treated or pyrethrins. This trend confirmed last year. At same time, predatory mite populations compared other treatments. these viticulture discussed framework organic Integrated Pest Management (IPM).