Identification of volatile organic compounds of pomegranate varieties and their effects on attraction of the carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lep.: Pyralidae)

Carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae is a key pest in pomegranate orchards in Iran. The use of volatile plant compounds as one of the effective factors in changing the behavior of insects can be an important step in combating pests and thus reduce the use of pesticides and the risk to humans and the environment. In this regard, volatile organic compounds from the foliage and fruits of pomegranate trees of Kadro, Rabbab and Shirin Shahvar varieties were collected and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Respectively, in foliage of mentioned pomegranate varieties, 17, 33 and 24, and in their fruit 42, 23 and 26 volatile organic compounds were identified. The most abundant constituents were 2,6-Dimethoxyphenol (51.01%) and 6- Aza-5,7,12,14 - tetrathiapentacene (36.92%) in Kadro foliage and fruit, respectively. They were in Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (46.37%) and 6-Aza-5,7,12,14-tetrathiapentacene (32.24%) respectively in Rabbab foliage and fruit. Besides, 9,17-Octadecadienal, (Z) (27.62%) and Benzoic acid-2,5-bis-(trimethylsiloxy)-trimethylsilyl ester (46.25%) were the major components respectively in foliage and fruit of Shirin Shahvar variety. Examination of the olfactory response of female insects of Carob moth in the wind tunnel showed that female insects were differently attracted to the odor of pomegranate foliage and fruits of Kadro, Rabbab and Shirin Shahvar cultivars by statistical analysis. These data may be useful in semiochemically-based management strategies in the pomegranate orchards such as mass trapping or deter of Carob moth or attraction of natural enemies.