Grape Cane Girdler on Grapes
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Grape cane girdler (Ampeloglypter ater) is a 1⁄8-inch-long weevil that resembles the closely related grape cane gallmaker. Just before bloom, adult females chew several small punctures that encircle new shoots, followed by another series of punctures 3 to 4 inches above the first set. Eggs are laid only in the first series of punctures. These puncture sites make shoots susceptible to breakage. Damage is often located beyond the fruit clusters, but shoot breakage is especially damaging in newly planted blocks.
Initial damage caused by the grape cane girdler.
(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)
Vine breakage resulting from grape cane girdler damage.
(Photo: John Strang, University of Kentucky)
Management:
- Prune shoots below the lower series of punctures in early summer prior to adult emergence.
- Destroy prunings.
- Apply insecticides to young vines early in the season before egg laying and girdling occur.
- This pest rarely reaches damaging levels.
