A pest from the Zünsler family (Cryptoblabes gnidiella) has caused more damage than ever before in the French wine-growing regions. This is reported by Cyril Cassarini, advisor to the Chamber of Agriculture in France. "In terms of occurrence and damage caused, 2018 is clearly a record year for the little-known Zünsler," he said. A winery near Grau-du-Roi in the south of France, for example, reported a 45 percent loss of harvest due to the pest. He also caused severe damage in Corsica this year. This year, for the first time, it was a massive problem along the entire southern French coast.
Up to now, the Hawaiian-born Zünsler, which goes by the English name of "Honeydew Berry Moth", has been classified as a less severe pest that only occurs in certain regions. This is no longer valid. The Zünsler damage the grape skins and cause rot and mould over large areas.
(uka)