Monitoring and control of the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in a citrus orchard in El Alia region (Bizerte, Tunisia)

Abstract

In El Alia region damages caused by the date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae in a citrus grove were reported since 2008. So, this study targeted to monitor this pest during three agricultural campaigns and to evaluate different treatments to control it. The results showed that this moth evolved in four to five generations according to the crop year and was active from April to early December. Besides, damages caused by this lepidoptera reached 50%. Moreover, only three tested treatments (Spinosad, Indoxacarb and Abamectin) could reduce this pest population, but the Spinosad was the highly effective substance.