NY CAPS 2024

As in many years past, this year we again participated in the Grape Commodity-based survey to detect new infestations of target grape pest species at low population levels. These target species were selected by the national committee of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program. This year we were looking for the European Grapevine Moth (EGVM), Lobesia botrana; European Grape Berry Moth (EGBM), Eupoecilia ambiguella; Christmas Berry Webworm (CBW), Cryptoblabes gnidiella; as well as visual surveys for Grapevine Red Blotch disease and Spotted Lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula.

Traps for the target species were set in 10 vineyards and 2 nurseries in our region. Each trap for EGBM, EGVM, and CBW was set with a specific pheromone trap to lure in any potential target moth in the area. (Lures are not used for Spotted Lanternfly). During the course of the growing season, the traps were serviced 7 times completing initial screening of all traps for the moths in the field. If any moth had been caught in the trap it was collected and examined more closely in the lab. At these services, the traps are also checked to be sure they are still set properly and the lures are refreshed on a schedule to ensure maximum potential to trap any target moths.

The season began June 4th and was finalized September 10th with minimal interference with harvest. We can report that there were no target moths collected in the traps in our region this season. We also reported no presence of Grapevine Red Blotch disease or Spotted Lanternfly in those vineyards and nurseries.