ALTERNATIVE METHODS FOR CONTROLLING POMEGRANATE BUTTERFLY Virachola livia KLUG (LEPIDOPTERA LYCAENIDAE)

Abstract

Pomegranate is the most important fruit crop in Kalubeia gevernorate. The fruits are always attacked by the pomegranate butterfly, Virachola livia Klug, causing great loss to the famers. The pomegranate butterflies lay their eggs mostly on the lower half of the fruit body with more preference on north and east directions. In the present work three different methods were used for controlling this pest: First; (by bagging Fruits) as a mechanical method which resulted in 100% protection. The second; by testing neem extract and suspension of Bacillus thuringiensis which gave mor than 95% protection to the treated fruits. The third; by the release of the eggs parasite Trichogramma brassicae at Kalube, (kalubeia govenorate) for two seasons which resulted in reduction of the infestation from 31.3% in 2010 to 3% in 2011. The cost/benefit ratio estimated for the different control methods in this work indicated that spraying with the bacteria B.t was of the least cost in relation with yield production followed by releasing the egg parasite of Tricogramme bressica