Determination of some biological characteristics for controling of the honeydew moth, Cryptoblabes gnidiella Mill. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) injurious on pomegranate and citrus orchards in eastern mediterranean region

This study was carried out in pomegranate and citrus orchards in Adana, Mersin and Osmaniye provinces in the East Mediterranean Region in 2007-2009. It was determined that Honeydew moth [Cryptoblabes gnidiella Mill. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] completed one generation in 564,6 day-degree and 28,90 days, one female laid 46,18 eggs during longevity, averagely and sex ratio was 0,98:1,02 (1:1) on pomegranate in natural conditions. In addition to that, the incubation period of eggs, duration of larval period, pupal stage and longevity of adult was 3,53; 13,91; 6,91 and 4,55 days, respectively. It was determined that C. gnidiella wintered as in 3., 4. and 5. larval stages in pomegranate and citrus orchards.First adult was seen at the beginning of April and population density was low during April-July, began to increase from the second half of July and reached the highest level in the period of October-November. It was determined that C. gnidiella remained active in the nature for nearly 8 months and moth flying lasted at the end of November or at the beginning of December. It was determined that adult formed 4-5 peaks during the flying period in April-June (1), July-September (2-3) and October-November (1-2), as a result of this, it gave 4-5 generations in a year.It was determined that C. gnidiella feed on bloom fruit calyx, fruit peel, endocarp, kernel, leaves, under the fruit peel and calyx leaf on pomegranate and citrus. Damage ratio of C. gnidiella changed between 6.4-41.2 % on pomegranate fruits. It was determined that C. gnidiella had 13 different natural enemies from 7 families belonging to 4 different orders and 11 host plants, during this study.