Larval performance on and oviposition preference for known and potential hosts by Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

Ex ovo larvae of Lobesia botrana were reared on flowers and fruits of known and potential host plants, both in the laboratory and in the field. Development rates indicated a wide range of host suitability. In the laboratory, larvae of L. botrana had higher survivorship and shorter development time when reared on Vitis vinifera, Prunus persica (nectarina), Taraxacum officinale or Prunus domestica than when reared on Malus pumila, Pyrus amygdaliformis, Prunus armeniaca, Prunus cerasus, Syringa vulgaris or Papaver rhoeas. Similar results were obtained in the field. In no-choice tests in the laboratory, more eggs were laid on fruits than on flowers. Fruits of Prunus domestica, Vitis vinifera and Prunus persica (nectarina) were most preferred as oviposition sites.