In the future, bats could help to control the grape berry moth, which is feared by winegrowers. This is the result of a major study organized by the Bordeaux winegrowers' association CIVB with the regional animal welfare organization LPO Aquitaine and the National Institute for Agricultural Research INRA in vineyards in the Dordogne.
Scientists had set up bat boxes on 23 vineyard plots in the department of Gironde, together with 20 wineries. At night, the bats go hunting - and the grape berry moth fits their prey pattern perfectly. The scientists examined the animals' droppings and were able to determine a high proportion of grape berry moth carcasses. This was the result even if only a few grape moth were found in the plot. The result was that bats can be an excellent biological help against grape berry moth.
The three-year study will be continued. In Germany, this pest, which is very dangerous for grapes, is mainly controlled with pheromone traps.
(uka)