Studies on the Distribution, Population Fluctuation and Infestation Level of Olive Moth, Prays oleae (Bern.) (Lepidoptera: Hyponomeutidae) Causing Damage on Olive Trees in Southeast Anatolian Region, Turkey

Abstract

This study were carried out to determine the distribution, population fluctuation and infested level of Olive moth Prays oleae (Bern.) in Mardin, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa provinces during 2001-2002. The pheromone traps were hanged on the trees in orchards at the beginning of April. The traps were checked twice a week until the first moth was caught, then they were checked weekly up to the end of season. The level of damage was determined by examining leaves, blossoms and fruit. Sampling was conducted 3 times in a year. The shoots 15-20 cm in length were taken from 4 directions of the trees in each orchard to estimate the damage caused by phyllophagous and anthophagous generation. Five olive fruit from each direction (total 20 from each tree) of the tree were sampled to determine the damage on fruit from 10 trees in each orchard for the carpophagous generation. As a result, it is found that adult moth activity begins in early April. Adults of first and second generation were seen together until mid-June. Activity of third generation adult started at the beginning of September until mid-November. The population curves were plotted based on weekly catches. The pest passes 3 generation a year. Damage level was different in each orchard and year. Damage level estimated, in general caused by phyllophagous, anthophagous and carpophagous were 3-5%, 0.3-3%, 0.5-3% respectively. Although adult moths that caught on trap were high, the damage level was very low. In conclusion this pest could be potencial pest in GAP region for now.

Keywords

• Prays oleae
• distribution
• population fluctuation
• infestation level