Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
By Tom Lowery, Summerland Research and Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Management of Grape Leafhoppers: it's a lot about timing - January 2021
Leafhoppers are major pests of grapevines in the interior of British Columbia. It is a challenge to manage them following organic production practices, while control with conventional insecticides can be ineffective or lead to outbreaks of other grape pests. Research on various approaches for their control continues under the current funding agreement between AAFC and the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network (CGCN), including evaluation of the effectiveness of oils and new insecticides, the use of feeding deterrents, and studies of egg parasitoids that are their most important natural control agents. Integrated management of leafhoppers under conventional or organic programs is best achieved with a combination of control measures and consideration of the growth and developmental stages of their grapevine host plants. Area-wide calendar spray dates provide minimal guidance due to temperature differences between years and among and within vineyards.