Evaluation of light traps, pheromone traps and light –pheromone traps for mass trapping of Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepdoptera: Pyralidae) and determination the best pheromone traps density to decrease the pest damage in a pomegranate orchard

Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lep: Pyralidae), is the most important pest of pomegranate fruits in Iran. Chemical control is not effective against this pest, and recommended non-chemical control methods against this pest have net considered by farmers so far. In this study, the efficiency of mass trapping using light traps, pheromone traps and light –pheromone trapswere evaluated to control this pest in an infested pomegranate orchard in Shiraz region (Iran) during 2013, 2014 Results showed, light traps containing 390 and 410 wave lengths nanometer attracted the maximum number of carob moths among wave lengths 370, 390. 410, 430 and 450 nanometer. Econex and alfa alfa Pheromone dispensers attracted the maximum number of Carob moth among four studied pheromone dispensers. The maximum and minimum number capture of carob moth were observed in water pan pheromone traps (2.18 moth/night) and light-pheromone traps containing 410 wave length (1.28 moth/night). The fruit infestation percent in five trap densities (0, 15, 30, 45, 60 traps /ha.), the maximum and minimum fruit infestation were observed in zero trap (19%) and 60 traps/ha. (3.3%) densities respectively. In conclusion, using 60 water pan pheromone traps /hectare is recommended for effective mass raping of carob moth in pomegranate orchards in Shiraz region.