The arthropod’s guide to European vineyards: invasive pests as hitchhikers of globalization

Insects and mites are among the most widespread and economically significant invasive species worldwide due to their rapid reproduction, high dispersal ability, and capability to survive and quickly adapt to different environmental conditions and food sources. Increased globalization, i.e., increased human transportation and trade, is the main driver behind arthropod invasions. Globally, the spread of invasive arthropods represents a growing problem for agriculture, as many of these species are devastating pests, including vectors of plant pathogens. This is particularly relevant for perennial crops such as grapevine. Grapevine is a global crop that is susceptible to a range of aggressive pathogens and pests and, accordingly, one of the crops most frequently treated with pesticides in Europe. This review focuses on invasive insect and mite pests damaging European grapevine through feeding or vectoring pathogens. A comprehensive overview of present and potential future invasive arthropods threatening European viticulture is provided. Primary entry pathways of invasive grapevine pests into the EU, as well as their spread are discussed. The pest geographic origin and current distribution within the EU revealed particularly vulnerable regions. In the final section, lessons learned and future challenges are highlighted, along with sustainable monitoring and management options aimed to minimize the risk of introductions, and in turn pesti cide applications.