Population dynamics of date moth adults in date palm groves in Sidi Okbabiskra; (Sahara – Algeria)

Abstract

The date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)  can cause total production losses and is considered a key pest of date  palm in Algeria. This research aimed to evaluate the adult dynamic of E. ceratoniae in date palm grove throughout one year (2016). Two high flight periods were recorded in the spring and autumn. The first adult emergence was in 6th of Feburary 2016. Also, results showed that climatic factors have a significant influence on the date moth which could only develop over a limited range of temperatures and relative humidity.

Keywords: Ectomyelois ceratoniae; Population dynamics; Phoenix dactylifera; sexual pheromone traps; climatic parameters.