Comparison of two methods of cutting off stamens and releasing Trichogramma embryophagum Hartig (Hym., Trichogrammatidae) in controling carob moth of pomegranate Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell (Lep., pyrallidae)

Pomegranate Punica granatum (Punicaceae) is one of the most important orchard products in Iran. The most important pest of the fruit is Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell (Lep., Pyrallidae) that injured up to 80% of fruits. For controlling this pest three methods are used as: cutting off the stamens of pomegranate (the site of moth oviposition), biological control by releasing Trichogramma embryophagum Hartig (parasitoid of eggs)and using a combination of the two methods. The study was included four treatments as cutting off the stamens of pomegranate, biological control by releasing T. embryophagum, using two methods together and control. cutting off the stamens of pomegranate has done twice and releasing of Trichogramma 10 times with 10 days intervals from late Khordad. Twenty five trees from each garden were selected randomly at the harvesting time and percentage of infestation on each tree was calculated. The results showed significant difference between treatments. Comparison between treatments showed that the combination of cutting off the stamens and releasing wasps had the highest efficacy. that cutting off the stamens of pomegranate and finally releasing wasps for controlling this pest. Study economical aspects of three methods showed that releasing wasps method had the lowest and cutting off the stamens of pomegranate and releasing wasps together method had the highest expenses for control this pest but considering results of this study and efficacy of cutting off the stamens of pomegranate, it is recommended to use for controlling this pest in Saveh region.