Abstract

The carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is considered as one of the most redoubtable pests threatening the production of date fruit, (Phoenix dactylifera L.), in Algeria. . In this research, nutritional indices and energy reserves of E. ceratoniae in response to feeding on three date varieties (Deglet Noor, Mech Degla and Ghars) were studied at 28 ± 1°C, relative humidity of 65 ± 5% and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) hours. Biochemical and physical characteristics date varieties of were determined, and a correlation was made with nutritional responses of E. ceratoniae. Significant differences were observed in nutritional yield and energy contents of E. ceratoniae across various date varieties. The relative intake rate (TRI) of the larvae of E. ceratoniae showed a very highly significant difference between the three varieties studied. The highest relative intake rate was observed in larvae fed by the Deglet Nour variety, while the lowest TRI was recorded in the Ghars variety.

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