Insect Monitoring Devices
These devices are an important part of any IPM program. They have been developed
for the most part to monitor adult activity. The devices themselves usually
consist of some type of insect trap and a lure developed for a particular pest.
Lures may consist of a feeding attractant, sex pheromone, or in some cases the
shape or color of the trap alone is alluring. These devices provide a good
indicator of adult activity and will help in the timing of cover sprays,
increasing their effectiveness and eliminating the need for additional sprays.
In some cases monitoring devices have been developed to the extent that they
alone provide adequate control of the targeted pest, thus eliminating the need
for pesticide completely. Most IPM programs utilize devices for monitoring and
in some cases controlling insect outbreaks.
Cultural Practices
It is important to understand that insect pests may occupy different habitats
during their life cycle. These include the grape canopy, weeds, sod or soil
within the vineyard, and adjacent fields, fence rows, and woodlots. These
habitats may provide refuge for vineyard pests and should be considered in any
vineyard IPM program. Proper management of these habitats may be an important
part of controlling a given vineyard pest.
Current pesticide recommendations may be found Here