Effect of tillage intensity on the inter-row plant community and microlepidoptera predation rates in arid vineyards in Argentina

Microlepidoptera pose a significant threat as vineyard pests. Yet, information about inter-row management effects on natural enemies remains limited. We evaluated the impact of an inter-row tillage gradient on plant cover and the predation rate of microlepidopteran larvae and pupae as a model to estimate potential predation rates of Lobesia botrana in vineyards. The percentage of bare soil measured at the surface level in the inter-rows was the only variable that correlated with the tillage intensity gradient. Predation rates of larvae and pupae showed significant differences between tillage intensities, but did not follow the expected pattern based on the tillage gradient. Bare soil measured at the surface level had a strong influence on predation rates when the tillage gradient was simplified into high and low intensity categories. Ants were the only observed predators, with 11 species identified. They were able to respond quickly in locating and preying on th..., Vegetation cover
To evaluate the effect of the tillage gradient on the plant community of inter-rows and on predation rates, four vineyards with different tillage regimes were selected: continuous tillage throughout the season, annual tillage at the end of winter, tillage every three years, and no tillage. The survey of the plant community present in the vineyard inter-rows was conducted using the Point Quadrat method during the summer of 2019 and fall 2020. Ten sampling sites, spaced by at least 50 m from each other, were established for each of the four tillage levels analyzed. At each sampling site, a 15-meter transect was set up, along which all plant species intercepting the line every 30 cm were recorded. Additionally, we quantified the condition of bare soil at the surface level, the total vegetation cover, and the cover of individual species. Based on traits sensitive to tillage practices we grouped species and calculated cover categories such as grasses, dicots, native, and exo..., , # Data from: Effect of tillage intensity on the inter-row plant community and microlepidoptera predation rates in arid vineyards in Argentina

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.d2547d8c7](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.d2547d8c7)

## Description of the Data and File Structure

This dataset contains information from a larval and pupal predation trial using sentinel prey in vineyards, as well as data on vegetation in the inter-rows. The data were collected in December 2019 and April 2020 in four vineyards with different tillage intensities. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate larval and pupal predation rates under different tillage regimes (high = continuous tillage throughout the season, medium = annual tillage at the end of winter, low = tillage every three years, and null = no tillage) and to assess the influence of vegetation on predation.

## Files and Variables

### File: `Larvae.csv`

**Description:**
This file contains data on larval predation rates in vineyards under d...