Vineyards are attacked by a series of pests that damage yield. In addition to the insects traditionally associated with the crop, the presence of Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, registered as a grain store pest, was observed damaging grapes near maturity. Direct damage is caused by perforation of the grapes and indirect damage from the proliferation of bacteria that multiply in the spilt juice, that lead to increased rot at harvest. In Vitis vinifera grape vines of the Cabernet Sauvignon cultivar, up to 80% of the grapes were damaged by insect attack in February 2003.
Maize weevil; Vitis vinifera; damage