| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4506477 | Crop Protection | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the most important pest of pomegranate, Punica granatum (Punicaceae), in Iran. The most recommended procedure to control of this pest is collecting and destroying infested fruits in the orchards at the end of cropping season to eliminate overwintering sites. In order to determine the parasitoid species and the parasitism percentage during fall-winter season (2006–2007) a study was conducted in three commercial pomegranate orchards in Varamin, Qom, and Saveh, (central Iran). Our results revealed that E. ceratoniae had numerous parasitoids from the families Braconidae and Ichneumonidae. Apanteles myeloenta Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) was the most prevalent species among the collected parasitoids in all studied sites. More parasitoids were found in fruits on trees than those on the ground. Fruits on the ground were more infested than fruits on trees. According to our results collecting and destroying the infected fruits in the orchards at the end of cropping season, had negative effects on parasitoids population and diversity.
► Apanteles myeloenta was the most prevalent parasitoid species in all studied sites. ► This is the first report of pest larvae parasitism by our ichneumonid wasps. ► Negative effects of former procedure on parasitoids population were proven. ► New sanitation method was as effective as the old one. ► New parasitoids and pest oviposition preferences was discovered.
