Feeding behaviour of Lobesia botrana on leaves and shoots of grapevine

The larval feeding behaviour of the grapevine moth Lobesia botrana (GM) on grapevine leaf and shoot tissues in the absence of grapes is described. GM larvae were obtained from eggs laid on the grapevine leaves in a field cage covering two rows of a Chardonnay vineyard in which all the bunches were previously removed. Larvae developed till pupation feeding only on leaves and shoots and showed the characteristic leaf rolling habit of the Tortricidae. All of them were able to pupate and to give adults that mated in laboratory conditions. Females laid fertile eggs and gave rise to a new generation of larvae. Pupal weight, number of eggs laid, and longevity of leaf/shoot fed insects were compared with those of the insects reared on berries and artificial diet.