Effect of gamma radiation on different growth stages of the carab moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lep.: Pyralidae)

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lep., pyralidae), is the most important pest of pomegranate in Iran. The damage of carob moth is important both in orchard and harvested pomegranates. In this study, the effect of different doses of gamma radiation on different growth stages (one-day-old and four-days-old eggs, the first- instar larva, the last- instar larvae, pupa and adults) of carob moth were investigated. Results indicated that the range of lethal doses for different growth stages were estimated 125 to 225, 475 to 500, 600 to 1100, 900 to 1200, 1000 to 1300 and 800 to 1300 Gy, respectively. Consequently, the eggs and the first instar larva of E. ceratoniae in harvested pomegranates could be controled by maximum dose of 1000 Gy of gamma radiation.