Consumable climate data for season-long monitoring of grape berry moth in Virginia

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the existing temperature-dependent development model for grape berry moth, Paralobesia viteana (Clemens) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), for application in Virginia vineyards.  Over three years of study, male grape berry moths were monitored in vineyards (n = 24; n = 20; n = 10) with traps operational from March – September.  In each location, large plastic delta traps baited with synthetic sex pheromone were placed in the vineyard block and in the nearest wooded edge.  In tandem, climate data were consumed from two central locations, Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP) and Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station Mesonet (VAES).  Vineyard locations were matched to the nearest CWO or VAES weather station. Using biofix (first catch) of the spring generation and a proximal weather station, emergence of successive broods was forecasted using daily degree days (modified sine wave, base 8.41 °C).  We will discuss the implications of pheromone monitoring and consumable climate data on modeling the phenology of grape berry moth in Virginia.  Specifically, we will address the importance of statewide sourcing of catch and climate data in addition to the costs and shortcomings of these methods.