Biological Studies On Certain Insects Of Genus Ephestia.

I.S. Eissa, Faculty of Agriculture, Al- Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

The laboratory work was carried out at the plant protection department; of Agriculture at Faculty of Al-Azhar University. The periodical samples have been taken and brought from Baharia oasis. The aim of this study is to understand the biology, seasonal abundance, ecology, chemical and biologicla control of E. cautella and E. calidella. Results related to E. cautella indicated that it has 5 generations/ year, the mean number of eggs laid by a single female during its whole life ranged between 52.38 egg and 159.29 egg, the mean preoviposition period for laying eggs was 1.2-1.8 days, the mean oviposition period for laying eggs was 1.0-1.8 days. The two insects larvae attack the immatire and mature dates on the trees and in the store. Satisfactory protection of date bunches from attack by E. cautella and E. caliedella was achieved by covering, the bunches during the first half of July. Storing dry date fruits as seperated or attached to their spates, with or without cap, were evaluated for their effect on the susceptebility of date palm to infestation with E. cautella and E. calidella.