FACTORS AFFECTING EFFICIENCY OF NATURAL ENEMIES IN CONTROLLING ONE OF INSECTS INFESTING CITRUS

Abstract

The present work aimed to investigate population fluctuations, annual generations, infestation rates, parasitoids and predators of the citrus flower moth, Prays citri Mill. on lime trees in ElQalubia Governorate throughout 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons. The highest population density of P. citri immature stages was recorded in spring, followed by summer then winter and autumn during the two seasons. Immature stages of P. citri had 9, 9 and 8 annual field generations, which lasted 28-49, 22-57 and 22-69 days on flower buds, flowers and newly formed fruits, respectively during 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 seasons. The highest infestation level by P. citri larvae took place in spring, followed by summer then winter and autumn during the two seasons.