Zeuzera leuconotum (Butler) (Lepidoptera: Cossidae): A new threat to Vitis vinifera (L.)

Abstract

Grape (Vitis sp.) belonging to Family Vitaceae is a commercially important fruit crop of India. It is a temperate crop which has got adapted to sub-tropical climate of peninsular India. Viticulture is a billion dollar agricultural sector in India, where new unidentified insect pest species can disrupt management practices. We report herein on a new pest associated with vineyards, the carpenter moth Zeuzera leuconotum (Butler). It appears to be a newly recognized wood-boring pest of V vinifera (L.) in regions of northern parts of Karnataka, India, where its initial occurrence has not been reported in India. The regions of occurrence of this new wood borer, larva and symptoms of damage are illustrated. Z.leuconotum distribution and symptopms of damage on different hosts, other cossids of genus Zeuzera and other genera found on V.vinifera are updated including published records and new data. Notes on possible routes of entry of this new wood borer into vine orchards and possible monitoring and management options on grapes are also discussed. Tools for the Integrated Pest Management of Z.leuconotum should include the quick and reliable identification of the insect and its nature of damage, thorough understanding of its bioecology, the application of monitoring methods and eco-friendly management strategies.