In the Campanha region of Rio Grande do Sul, the grape rust mite Calepitrimerus vitis (Nalepa) (Acari: Eriophyidae) has been frequently found in vineyards of European cultivars, since 2004/2005 season associated with discoloration and bronzing of the leaves. The population dynamics of C. vitis on Chardonnay and Merlot cultivars was evaluated in a commercial vineyard located in Dom Pedrito town in the Campanha Region in 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 season through the leaf samples performed from basal positions, intermediate and apical branches of production. The population peak of C. vitis occurs between February and beginning of March followed by a rapid population decline. The infestation changed intensity among cultivars according to the year. Chardonnay cultivar was most infested in the first year while Merlot was in the second year. Leaves in basal, middle and apical positions presented similar levels of infestation. A positive correlation was found between the C. vitis number on the abaxial face of the leaf and the percentage of these leaves with infestation.
Grape rust mite; monitoring; Vitis vinifera
