Infestation rate and host preference of Carob moth [Apomyelois (=Ectomyelois) ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] on different pomegranate cultivars

This research was conducted in order to determine the infestation rate and host preference of Carob Moth [Apomyelois (=Ectomyelois) ceratoniae Zell. ( Lepidoptera.: Pyralidae)] on 24 years old 13 different pomegranate cultivars under field conditions in 2010 and 2011. In the research, 13 pomegranate cultivars including 3 sour, 5 tartish and 5 sweet planted in 4 × 4 m distance were used. The research was carried out on 2 trees of each cultivar from each of 3 replications according to randomized complete block design with 3 replications. In order to determine infestation rate of Carob Moth on different pomegranate cultivars damaged and undamaged harvested fruits were counted and weighed separately at full maturity. Carob Moth infestation rate of each cultivar was determined proportioning infested fruits of the cultivar to all fruits of the same cultivar. In the study, yield, infested and uninfested fruits weight (kg/tree) of each cultivar were determined individually. According to the determined average infestation rate of both years, Fellahyemez had the highest average infestation ratio (51.4%) followed by Beynari (32.59%), Çekirdeksiz (31.71%) and Çevlik (28.68%). The infestation rate of Carob Moth on pomegranate cultivars was determined as lesser on sour and tartish tasted cultivars such as Ekşilik (%3.15), Hicaznar (%14.04), Mayhoş-I (%14.24) and Ekşi Göknar (%17.85). In the study, Beynari, Hicaznar, Mayhoş-I, Çevlik and Mayhoş-IV were identified as the highest yielding cultivars. In regard to yield and infestation ratio, Hicaznar and Mayhoş-I cultivars had the highest yield and lowest Carob Moth infestation.