Impact of environmental conditions on the distribution of insect pests in Nitra region vineyards (Slovakia)

Abstract

The presented study introduces the most common and significant insect pests of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in Slovakia, specifically the occurrence of the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana) and the American grapevine leafhopper (Scaphoideus titanus). Historical records set prerequisites to studying the complex interactions between the pests and their host plant. If they are not understood sufficiently, they may have devastating consequences on the grape-growing. The research was carried out in the model vineyards in Jelenec, Ladice and Topoľčianky during the period from April to September 2019 and 2021. Jelenec and Ladice had six monitoring sites, Topoľčianky had seven monitoring sites. Data were collected in approximately 30-day cycles. The aim of research was to monitor the incidence of insect pests in selected vineyards and identify their relation to environmental conditions. Pheromone traps were used throughout the research. The insect traps in combination with species-specific pheromone represent a reliable method for the pest monitoring. Based on aim studying the link between insect pests and climate conditions, traps were dispersed at the place of installation of the microclimatic dataloggers and the automatic stations. Data on the occurrence of the pests were subsequently evaluated in the context of the climate variability (temperature, wind speed, precipitation) and distance of the locality from the forest using Redundancy Analysis. It was confirmed that the insect pests are unequally distributed in the studied region and also inside the vineyards. Using Redundancy Analysis, we were able to explain the bonds in a maximum of 40% insect pests-environmental factors relationships. This research results show the need for regular monitoring of insect species, taking into account microclimatic as well as other ecological factors to optimize agrotechnical interventions. URL: https://www.gcass.science.upjs.sk/