Phenology of Xylotrechus arvicola (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Adults in Spanish Vineyards

Background and Aims: The longicorn beetle Xylotrechus arvicola (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an important pest in vineyards of the Iberian Peninsula. Previous studies have reported that different varieties of grapevines Vitis vinifera exhibit varying susceptibility to infestation by this species.

Methods and Results: Adult X. arvicola captured were monitored using interception traps (CROSSTRAP) in vineyard plots cultivated with five different grapevine varieties (‘Tempranillo’, ‘Prieto Picudo’, ‘Mencia’, ‘Albarin’ and ‘Verdejo’) in the southern region of León province from 2017 to 2020. Tempranillo and Prieto Picudo had the highest number of X. arvicola captures, consistent with being the most susceptible varieties reported to be attacked by X. arvicola larvae. Verdejo had the lowest number of captures. In all varieties, the greatest period of adult emergence and subsequent captures occurred in June. However, in warmer springs, this emergence period started earlier, in May. The number of X. arvicola captured over time was significantly different between sexes, as well as in the interaction between captures and days across all varieties and years studied.

Conclusions: Our results provide valuable information for the integrated control and management of this pest. Placing traps in vineyards on the described dates and regularly monitoring them will help determine peak flight periods (i.e., the highest number of insects captured). This will allow for timely application of phytosanitary treatments, targeting the greatest number of insects. Further trials should be conducted in other vineyards with these types of traps and attractants to corroborate the results obtained.