Comparison of some biological parameters of jasmine moth, Palpita Unionalis Hubner (Lep., Pyralidae), on olive and privet leaves in laboratory conditions

The Jasmine moth Palpita unionalis Hubner (Lep.، Pyralidae) is one of the most important pests of plants from Oleaceae، such as privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium Hassk) and olive (Olea europea L.). This insect has been introduced to Iran in recent years. Therefore، it needs extensive researches according to its new ecological conditions. In this regard، the plant host preference of the pest was studied to find an alternative plant host for rearing the jasmine moth. The biological parameters of this moth compared when reared on the two plant hosts (north of Iran). Pupae of the pest were collected from the trees and nurseries of olive at Tarom region. Adults emerged were transferred to growth chamber for rearing at the conditions of 25±0. 5 °C، RH %65±5 and 12L: 12D. Biological parameters such as number and period of generation، larval feeding rate، larval development time and mortality، sex ratio and adults longevity were compared on olive and privet. The pest has five instars on two hosts but larval duration is shorter on privet. Also it feeds much more quantity of leaves of privet. The rate of mortalities were not different significantly. Thisinsect produced 8 and 10 complete generations on olive and privet، respectively. According to theaccomplished studies، host suitability was similar، but the privet is more available and inexpensive than olive for laboratory rearing of jasmine moth.