PRIMER NOTE Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Lobesia botrana Den. & Schiff. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)

The tortricid moth Lobesia botrana is considered to be an important pest of the cultivated grapevine (Vitis vinifera, Vitaceae). It feeds on young flower buds and young fruits, and is the primary vector of the ‘noble mould’ fungus (Botrytis cinerea). In order to study the population dynamics and genetic structure of this species in space and time, we developed seven polymorphic microsatellite markers (three to 12 alleles). Although the presence of null alleles is suspected, these polymorphic loci are likely to provide information on the population genetics of L. botrana, and could help in the development of an efficient control strategy against this pest.