Efficacy of the Egg Parasitoids Trichogramma evanescens West. (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae) for Controlling the Leopard Moth Borer, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) in Apple and Pomegranate Orchards in Egypt

Abstract

The Experiment was conducted at Al-Nubariya district, Al-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, during three successive years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Trichogramma evanescens was released (twice a year) in the selected orchards to control the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina (L.). Z. pyrina was recorded with high numbers in the first year that decreased in positive relation with the parasitoid in the second and the third year. The parasitoid numbers showed significant variation between all months more than the variation observed in Z. pyrina monthly numbers. in the first year, T. evanescens showed high activity only in pomegranate trees but in second and third year no significant variation appeared between the two orchards. Moreover, data resulted significant variation between each years and Z. pyrina reduction in numbers by the time. Generally, the parasitoid recorded 2.74±0.58, 4.65 ±1.00 and 5.08 ±0.59 in year 2106, 2017 and 2018, respectively. Meanwhile, Z. pyrina recorded mean number of 3.22 ±0.45, 1.99± 0.37and 1.35 ±0.23 in year 2106, 2017 and 2018, respectively.