Models Applied to Grapevine Pests: A Review

• Main Authors: Federico Lessio, Alberto Alma
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
• Series: Insects
• Subjects: grapevine; pest management; modelling; decision-support system; <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i>; <i>Lobesia botrana</i>
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/2/169

This paper reviews the existing predictive models concerning insects and mites harmful to grapevine. A brief conceptual description is given on the definition of a model and about different types of models: deterministic vs. stochastics, continuous vs. discrete, analytical vs. computer-based, and descriptive vs. data-driven. The main biological aspects of grapevine pests covered by different types of models are phenology, population growth and dynamics, species distribution, and invasion risk. A particular emphasis is put on forecasting epidemics of plant disease agents transmitted by insects with sucking-piercing mouthparts. The most investigated species or groups are the glassy-winged sharpshooter <i>Homalodisca vitripennis</i> (Germar) and other vectors of <i>Xylella fastidiosa</i> subsp. <i>fastidiosa</i>, a bacterium agent of Pierce’s disease; the European grape berry moth, <i>Lobesia botrana</i> (Denis and Schiffermuller); and the leafhopper <i>Scaphoideus titanus</i> Ball, the main vector of phytoplasmas agents of Flavescence dorée. Finally, the present and future of decision-support systems (DSS) in viticulture is discussed.