An Overview of Stem Borer (Celosterna scabrator) (Stromatium barbatum) of Grapevine

Abstract

The cultivation of grapevines in India, particularly in the key producing regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka, faces significant threats from stem borers, primarily Celosterna scabrator and Stromatium barbatum. This review comprehensively examines the impact of these pests on grapevine yields, detailing their biology, lifecycle, and the complexities involved in their management. It highlights how the behaviour of these pests, such as pupating inside the stems, complicates conventional control methods, making them less effective. The review also explores the role of forest trees as alternate hosts, suggesting that changes in land use, such as deforestation, exacerbate the vulnerability of grapevines to these pests. With S. barbatum noted for its extensive host range and distribution across various regions, the review underscores the importance of thoroughly understanding pest biology and behaviour in developing effective pest management strategies. It advocates for integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that combine biological control, habitat management, and the judicious use of pesticides. By focusing on the specific challenges posed by C. scabrator and S. barbatum, this review contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable pest management in grapevine cultivation, aiming to mitigate yield losses and ensure the viability of this important agricultural sector in India.