Data from: 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 the larvae and pupae offered.