Researching of the effectiveness of alternative materials in the chemical control of carob moth [Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] harmful on pomegranate

Carob Moth [Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zell. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] is the main pest that causes significant losses in pomegranate if left untreated. Since the chance of success in chemical control against pests is low, it has become a necessity to investigate alternative methods. This study was conducted in Akçalı village of Haliliye district of Şanlıurfa in 2021-2022 to investigate some alternative preparations to chemicals in the fight against E. ceratoniae. To this end; A 15-year-old pomegranate garden was determined as the research area. In the study, determined doses of diatom, kaolin and calcium polysulphide preparations were applied to combat the carob moth. Diatom 2, 4 and 6 kg/100 L water; Kaolin was tested at doses of 3, 5 and 7 kg/100 L of water and calcium polysulphite at doses of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 L/100 L of water. In the positive control parcel, Emamectin benzoate was administered at a dose of 30 g/100 L of water; Additionally, a negative control plot in which no application was made was also included in the experiment. As a result of the study, the carob moth infestation rate determined for 2021 and 2022 was 37% and 28%, respectively, and the average infestation rate of the two years was recorded as 32.5%. In the two-year data of the study, it was observed that the first adults flew in the last week of June and reached the fighting threshold approximately one month later. In addition, all dose applications of diatom and upper dose application of kaolin were found to be more effective than Emamectin benzoate used in the positive control. The effect of chemical application on carob moth was 72.7% and 67.86% according to years; On the other hand, 6% diatom application yielded 90.54% and 83.93%; 82.43% and 75% of 4% application; It was determined that the 2% application was 78.38% and 73.21%. The 2021 data of kaolin varies according to doses, and doses of 3%, 5% and 7% are effective at 70.27%, 72.97% and 75.68%, respectively; These values were determined to be 64.29%, 67.86% and 69.61%, respectively, in 2022. It was observed that the best calcium polysulfide percentage effect was obtained from 1.5% application and the effect rates for 2021 and 2022 were 74.32% and 66.07%, respectively. As a result of the research, it was concluded that every dose of diatom used in the research can be used as an alternative to chemicals in the fight against carob moth.