Grape cane girdler

**Grape cane girdler, Ampeloglypter ater LeConte**

This is taken primarily from an extension bulletin by D. G. Pfeiffer & P. B. Schultz, entitled "Major Insect and Mite Pests of Grape in Virginia" (Va. Coop. Ext. Serv. 444-567 (1986))

This is a small, black weevil about 3 mm long. Its damage may look alarming but is actually not too important. Adults overwinter in debris on the ground. In late May, usually before bloom, the female encircles a shoot with a series of punctures made with her mouthparts. Eggs are deposited in these holes. She then makes a similar girdle a few inches higher in the cane but without eggs. The grubs feed in the cane pith and both injured portions may break off (usually at the outer girdle first). Larval development takes about a month. The damage may be seen frequently but is minor because the girdles are usually beyond the clusters. This damage may make training of the young vine difficult. Development also occurs on Virginia creeper.

Larvae pupate in July and adults appear in late July and August. If injured portions are to be pruned as a means of control, this should be done below the lower girdle before adults emerge. If chemical control is needed (mainly young vines), refer to recommendations for "New Shoot Spray".

See New York Fact sheet.

Back to Virginia Vineyard page

Back to Virginia Fruit Page