Population fluctuation of Ephestia figulilella in Kerman province of Iran

Abstract

Date palm is one of the most important products in Iran. Kerman province is one of the most important producers of this crop. Major areas of date palm cultivation in the province involve Bam, Jiroft and Shahdad. Date palm acreage of Shahdad is over 3500 hectares. Date palm varieties in Shahdad are Ghasb, Shamsaee and Bazmani. Ghasb date palm is most important in Shahdad that is classified as dry product. Date Palm trees have many pests such as the horned beetle dates, spider mite, leafhopper and moths; and according to the studies done in 2008–2009, Ephestia figulilella is the most important pest on fruit dates in Shadad, sometimes 90% of product is contaminated by this pest. This pest has four to five generations per year and overwintered as all of stages in storage and larvae in garden.