Distribution and Invasion of Clearwing Moth Synanthedon Tipuliformis Cl.,a Pest Of Currant, in Latvia

The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution and prevalence of S. tipuliformis in Latvia. In 2008-2009, trials were carried out in blackcurrant plantations aimed at establishing the distribution of S. tipuliformis across the territory of Latvia. To achieve this goal, 13 blackcurrant plantations were surveyed in 2008. The research was continued in three plantations in 2009. To assess of prevalence and level of damage caused by the S. tipuliformis, two methods were used: cutting of branches (five branches were cut from each bush) and pheromone traps with dispensers (distributed in each trial farm with density one trap per ha). The presence of S. tipuliformis was recorded in all 13 horticultural farms surveyed in 2008. Analyses of the branch samples demonstrated that the pest invaded from 3% to 70% of the branches. A total of 2.5 to 35 adults were caught per pheromone trap. The highest proportion of the branches invaded by the S. tipuliformis was in 2008 (70%) and the highest number of males in traps in 2009 was recorded in Jelgava municipality. S. tipuliformis is widely found in blackcurrant growing plantations across the whole territory of Latvia.