The effects of temperature on the chronological distribution of european grapevine moth's (Lobesia botrana) life stages

Lobesia botrana, also known as the European grapevine moth (EGVM), is an invasive moth species that was first reported in Napa vineyards in 2009. EGVM larvae cause substantial damage to all the phenological stages of grapes resulting in economic loss. The possibility of introducing EGVM to unaffected areas of the US and other countries via grape exports is of concern. A study to document how temperature effects the chronological distribution of EGVM life stages from egg to eclosion is currently being conducted in the Contained Research Facility at UC Davis. The results of this study can be used to determine the distribution of life stages at a precise time in the EGVM life cycle at which fumigation to post-harvested fruit is applied. Knowing the distribution when applying fumigation to grapes for export can help ensure the containment of EGVM and continued trade.