Alternative management strategies for carob moth [Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] in pomegranate orchards

Carob moth [Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] is a significant pest infesting pomegranate orchards. The management of the pest is mainly reliant on pesticides; however, their adverse impacts necessitate alternative management strategies. Therefore, this study determined the efficacy of kaolin (Ka), diatomaceous earth (DE-'Turco 00'), and calcium polysulfide (CP) in suppressing carob moth infestation in pomegranate. Three doses of DE (i.e., 2, 4, and 6 kg), Ka (3, 5, and 7 kg), and CP (0.5, 1, and 1.5 L) per 100-L water, positive control (emamectin benzoate), and untreated negative control were included in the study. The doses of the tested materials were regarded as low, medium, and high. Data relating to fruit infestation rate, efficacy of the treatments in suppressing carob moth infestation and economic returns were collected. The low, medium, and high doses of DE resulted in 7.8%, 6.8%, and 4.3% fruit infestation rate, respectively. Similarly, low, medium, and high doses of Ka resulted in 10.5%, 9.5%, and 8.8% infestation rate, respectively. In the same way, 21.5%, 13.3%, and 9.5% infestation rate was noted for low, medium, and high doses of CP, respectively. The positive and negative control resulted in 9.5% and 32.5% infestation rate, respectively. The efficacy of low, medium, and high doses was 75.80%, 78.72%, and 87.23, respectively for DE, 67.28%, 70.42%, and 72.65% for Ka, 33.64%, 58.11%, and 70.20% for CP, and 70.42% for positive control. The DE, Ka, and CP applied at all doses resulted in low infestation rates of carob moth compared to negative control. Similarly, the application of all doses of DE, Ka, and CP significantly improved net economic returns. Overall, all doses of DE and high dose of Ka proved more effective than positive control in lowering carob moth infestation. Economic analysis revealed that all doses of DE resulted in higher net economic returns compared to all other treatments included in the study. Hence, it is recommended to use high doses of DE to reduce infestation rate of carob moth and improve net economic returns of pomegranate.