Leopard Moth Borer, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) Threat to Olive Trees, Olea europaea L. (Lamiales: Oleaceae) in Fayoum Governorate and Its Suppressing Trials Using IPM Tactics

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Wood borers and Termites, Plant Protection Research Institute.

2 - Department of Olive Research, Horticultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Olive tree, Olea europaea L. (Lamiales:
Oleaceae) is an economically important and strategic crop which widely spreads
throughout the Mediterranean basin countries including Egypt. It suffers from
several serious insect pest attacks especially those arising from wood-boring
insects such as leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L. (Lepidoptera: Cossidae).
Present study concerns with the dispersion power of this cossid borer attacking
olive groves at several localities in Fayoum governorate. Additionally,
population fluctuation, infestation rates and degrees have been studied
recording the highest levels of infestation reaching
74% and 4.4 hole/tree, respectively whereas
the lowest levels of infestation were 15% rate of
infestation and 1.2 hole/tree degree of infestation.
Trials to suppress these attacks using IPM tactics
were applied with agricultural processes; pruning and mechanical control,
biological control tools using the green lacewing predator,
Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera:
Chrysopidae)
release in addition to chemical pesticide usage
(Cidial-L 50%).

Keywords