Application of push-pull strategy to control the carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell. and it,s optimization in pomegranate orchards

Pomegranate Punica granatum L (Punicacae) is one of the major orchard crops in Iran, wich leads pomegranate production in the world. The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell. (Lep.: Pyralidae) is the most important pest reducing the quality and quantity of pomegranate trees products. We investigated the effects of the application of plant gum extracted from Ferula assafoetida L, (Apiaceae) and sex pheromone following push pull strategy for pest control.Field experiment was conducted during 2010-2011 on 18-yr old trees (Malas Yazdi variety) planted in the orchards of the Agricultural Research Center of Yazd using randomized complete block design. Four treatments: gum extract spray, natural sex pheromone traps, gum extract + pheromone traps (push-pull) and control were tested in this field experiment. In order to optimize the effect of distance and duration, five treatments were applied including one and two pheromone trap with 10 and 15 days period of gum extract application in comparing with control. Results of damage estimation on plants showed that all three treatments reduced the pest damage except control; however, ‘push-pull’ method of application had the lowest damage. In addition, one pheromone trap in each block with gum extract sprayed every 15 days is proven to be the best method.