Fighting Carob Moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)
Carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae, better known as carob moth in Turkey, is the most important pest encountered by carob in the garden and storage. Its larvae feed inside the pods, contaminating the fruit and reducing its commercial value. Moreover, this moth causes damage not only to carob, but also to many products such as pomegranates, citrus fruits, figs, dates and almonds.
In this article, we discuss the biology of carob moth, garden and storage damage in carob, monitoring methods, and cultural, biological, biotechnical and chemical control options in the sources. The focus is on an integrated control approach that uses these tools together rather than relying on a single method.
What is Carob Moth?
Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller, 1839) is a small moth belonging to the Pyralidae family. In some current sources, it is also referred to as Apomyelois ceratoniae; In Turkish, the names "carob moth" and "carob moth" are used. The name of the species comes from the scientific name of carob, Ceratonia; however, the moth is not specific to carob. In the Agricultural Control Technical Instructions in Turkey, it is stated that the pest is polyphagous; It is stated that it is seen in many hosts such as carob, pomegranate, fig, persimmon, loquat, orange, grapefruit, walnut, apple, pear, almond, chestnut, hazelnut, grape and olive, and that it causes the most damage to pomegranate and navel orange (TAGEM, Agricultural Control Technical Instructions).
Gugliuzzo et al. (2019), who compiled carob pests in the Mediterranean region, emphasize that most of the pests seen in carob occur occasionally, but the carob moth is an exception as a multi-host species that can transmit carob both in the garden and in storage. For this reason, carob moth is the number one pest to monitor for carob producers and businesses that store the product.
Recognition: Adult, Egg, Larva and Pupa
The different stages of the moth are described in the information sheet of the Western Australian agricultural authority as follows: The adult is a grey moth with a wingspan of about 20 mm, with a wavy dark line on the front wings. The egg is about 0.75 mm long, white when laid, dark pink before opening. The larva is white or pinkish, with a black head and can grow up to 20 mm in length. The pupa is brown, about 12 mm long, and can form inside the fruit, under the bark or among the debris on the ground (agric.wa.gov.au, "Carob moth").
In the pest information note of the University of Stellenbosch, it is stated that the larvae are cream-white to light pink in color, throw dirt out of the hole they enter the fruit and spend the pupal period in a silky web inside the fruit. The same source notes that larval damage can be easily confused with that of other moths, so species identification with a magnifying glass or microscope is recommended in suspicious cases (Bazelet, University of Stellenbosch).
Life Cycle and Number of Progeny
The development of the carob moth is closely dependent on the temperature and the moisture of the host fruit. According to the fact sheet from the University of Stellenbosch:
- The eggs are laid individually or in small groups of up to three, mostly at dusk and in the dark; they hatch in 1–8 days and do not hatch below 20 °C.
- The larva spends 3–6 instars; at 30 °C, larval development takes about 23.7 days.
- The pupal period is about 7 days at 30 °C.
- Adults live 5–15 days; one female can lay about 200 eggs.
- Under suitable conditions, it can produce four or five offspring per year; fruit moisture can extend the fertility period up to two times.
The Western Australian source states that the full life cycle takes 32–43 days depending on the temperature, can produce up to four offspring per year, and larvae can enter diapause (developmental pause) in cool winter conditions. An important observation from Turkey comes from a postgraduate study conducted in pomegranate orchards in Şanlıurfa: In this study, the first adult flight was seen in the second and third weeks of May, the population lasted until November, and it was calculated that four offspring could be formed in the region per year according to the effective temperature total (YÖK Open Science, Şanlıurfa carob moth thesis).
These data have an important consequence for carob: the moth can be active from late spring to autumn on the warm Mediterranean coast, and this period coincides with the period when carob fruits ripen and are harvested.
Garden and Storage Damage in Carob
According to the Western Australian source, locust bean pods are vulnerable to attack from the time when the green shell begins to crack, and stored carob is also at risk. The same source states that females lay their eggs mainly on already injured or contaminated fruit, and that the larvae cannot easily pierce the intact fruit. In practice, this information indicates that cracked, injured fruit that has been on a tree or on the ground for a long time is the most suitable place for the moth to lay eggs.
The larvae feed on the fleshy part of the pod and around the seed; it leaves dirt, silky mesh and holes inside the fruit. This damage has two consequences in carob. First, the cleanliness and appearance of the fruit to be used as a food raw material deteriorates. Second, since the pest can continue to multiply in storage, it can grow lost in batches that are kept for a long time after harvest (Gugliuzzo et al., 2019).
Host diversity is also a factor that increases the damage. In the study conducted by Mamay et al. (2014) in 13 pomegranate varieties in Turkey, the contamination rate varied between approximately 3% and 51% according to the varieties. In the study in Şanlıurfa, it was reported that the contamination rate exceeded 80% in some pomegranate orchards. These figures were measured in pomegranate and cannot be transferred directly to carob; however, it reminds that hosts such as pomegranates, citrus fruits and figs near carob orchards can feed the moth population. As a matter of fact, the Agricultural Control Technical Instructions recommend that other hosts should not be grown in and around the garden.
Monitoring: Pheromone Traps and Fruit Control
Effective control starts with knowing when the moth flies. In the fact sheet of Stellenbosch University, it is stated that commercial pheromone traps that attract males are used to monitor adult activity throughout the season; on the other hand, it is stated that there is no generally accepted economic damage threshold for this pest yet. The same source recommends checking the fruits on certain trees in the garden weekly, and if there are no trained personnel, examining the fruits spilled under these trees.
In the Şanlıurfa study, weekly censuses with traps enabled the determination of population peaks in the region and differences between districts. A simple monitoring system to be set up with a few traps in the carob orchard helps to determine the timing of hygiene and other measures.
Cultural Struggle: Garden and Storage Hygiene
- Contaminated fruits spilled on the ground should be collected, buried or destroyed with weekly checks (TAGEM, Agricultural Control Technical Instructions).
- According to Stellenbosch, the removal of fallen and rotting fruit is the most effective deterrent; In a study conducted in Turkey, it is reported that this application alone reduces contamination by 80%.
- Old fruit (mummified fruit) left on the tree should be removed; in almond orchards these fruits have been reported to be the main place where the moth overwinters and reproduces (Madge et al., Almond Board of Australia).
- When the product is ripe, it should be harvested without delay and processed or preserved without waiting; the longer the product is open to laying eggs, the greater the damage (Madge et al.).
- Control of insects such as mealybugs that secrete honeydew can help reduce the number of moths (Bazelet, University of Stellenbosch).
- The presence of other host plants in and around the garden should be limited as much as possible (TAGEM).
In storage, the basic principle is to separate the dishwashing product from the intact product, keep the warehouse clean and store the product in dry conditions. For small quantities of dried fruit and nuts, the Western Australian source recommends storing the product in insect-proof containers, heat treatment (slowly increasing to 55–60 °C and keeping for an hour) or the use of a refrigerator-freezer. On an industrial scale, the methods to be applied against warehouse pests should be determined through the relevant legislation and authorized practitioners.
Biological and Biotechnical Control
Natural enemies
The carob moth has many natural enemies. An early study of carob, acacia, and citrus trees in Israel reported that the largest number of parasitoid species were found in carob trees (Gothilf, 1969). The Australian source states that approximately 38 species of parasitoid bees attack this moth worldwide, with species such as Trichogramma carverae found in almond orchards (Madge et al.). The Stellenbosch note also mentions the presence of two Phanerotoma parasitoids in South Africa and at least 12 species of parasitoids in other regions. Protecting these natural enemies is an important justification for avoiding unnecessary broad-acting spraying.
Bacillus thuringiensis
The Agricultural Control Technical Instructions stipulate that the Bacillus thuringiensis preparation should be applied 10-15 days apart from the first larva emergence in biological control against carob moth. The Stellenbosch note also states that two B. thuringiensis strains are effective and used in Middle Eastern gardens. Since these preparations are effective before the larvae enter the fruit, the timing of application should be determined by trap data.
Mating disruption
In this method, high amounts of synthetic pheromones are introduced into the garden, making it difficult for males to find females. In a two-season trial in date orchards in California, it was reported that the pheromone analogue reduced male captures by up to 100% in some areas when first applied, but the effect decreased as the substance was consumed; the researchers concluded that the most determining factor on contamination was cultural practices (Vetter et al., 2006). In the trial conducted with the SPLAT EC formulation in pomegranate orchards in Şanlıurfa, it was reported that a dose of 62.5 g/da was both effective and economical, while a dose of 50 g/da was not sufficient. These results were obtained in pomegranate; applicability and license status in carob orchards should be evaluated separately.
Chemical Control: The Last Option
In the Agricultural Control Technical Instructions, chemical control is described for citrus fruits and pomegranates; It is envisaged to apply in the periods of July-August in citrus fruits and in the end of June-beginning of July in pomegranates, when the contamination exceeds 5%. For carob, sources state that the tree is not traditionally sprayed and cultivation is largely carried out without pesticides (OGM, 2020; Erbaş, 2024).
For this reason, chemical application in carob should only be considered if the damage is high despite hygiene and other measures and only with licensed preparations for this product-pest, in accordance with the label instructions and pre-harvest waiting periods. Residue limits should also be taken into account in products to be sold as food raw materials.
Integrated Challenge Calendar (General Framework)
| Semester | Work to be done |
|---|---|
| Winter – early spring | Collection and disposal of old fruits left on the tree and on the ground, warehouse cleaning |
| Late spring | Hanging pheromone traps, watching the first flight |
| Summer | Weekly trap and fruit control, collection of spilled fruits |
| Harvest period | Harvesting without delay, separating the pods, keeping the product dry |
| Storage | Batch control, keeping intact and dishware separate, warehouse hygiene |
This calendar is a summary of the general principles in the sources, adapted to the carob garden; it should be stretched according to the climate of the region and the trap data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the worm that comes out of the carob? The pinkish-white larvae that feed on locust bean pods most often belong to the carob moth. A specialist examination is recommended for a definitive diagnosis.
Is carob moth only seen in carob? It has many hosts such as pomegranate, citrus fruits, figs, dates, almonds and walnuts; It is reported that it causes the most damage to pomegranates in Turkey.
Is pheromone trapping alone enough? Traps are primarily a monitoring tool. The basis of the fight is garden and warehouse hygiene.
How do I protect the product in the warehouse? Separating dishware, keeping storage clean and dry, and not letting the product sit unnecessarily for extended periods are essential precautions.
Controlled Product with Carob Türkiye
Carob moth is a pest in carob that directly affects product quality. Hygiene in the garden, timely harvesting and careful storage in storage are the most reliable and economical measures against this pest. At Carob Türkiye, we supply carob fruit, crumbs, flour/powder, kernels and extracts.
For product information Carob Fruit and Carob Kibble (Granular) pages for information about processed products What is Carob Kibble (Granule)? You can review our article. For your wholesale and export requests Contact Now You can contact us on our page.
Domestic resources
General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies (TAGEM), "Technical Instructions for Agricultural Control, Volume V: Subtropical Plant Pests – Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)", Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. bku.
agriculture. gov. en/ Harmful/ SourceDetail/ 1132 Mamay, M., İkinci, A., Ünlü, L., Doğan, E., "Infestation rate and host preference of Carob moth [Apomyelois (=Ectomyelois) ceratoniae Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)] on different pomegranate cultivars", Turkish Journal of Entomology, 38(1), 101–110, 2014. doi.
org/ 10. 16970/ ted. 89680 "Carob moth [Apomyelois ceratoniae Zell. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)]' in the fight against population development and contagion rate", postgraduate thesis (2011–2012 field data), YÖK Open Science. Explanation.
No, there isn't. gov. en/ handle/ 20. 500. 12812/ 92296 General Directorate of Forestry, "Carob Garden Facility Project: Feasibility Report and Investor Guide", Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, 2020. I'll take it to Konya.
gov. en/ assets/ upload/ files/ Carob- … Erbaş, S., "Carob Agriculture and Industry Feasibility Report", Western Mediterranean Development Agency, Publication No: 153, 2024. DEVELOPMENT LIBRARY.
gov. en/ assets/ upload/ files/ Keciboy... Foreign sources
Gugliuzzo, A., Mazzeo, G., Mansour, R., Tropea Garzia, G., "Carob pests in the Mediterranean region: bio-ecology, natural enemies and management options", Phytoparasitica, 47(5), 605–628, 2019. doi.
org/ 10. 1007/ S12600- 019- 00766- 7 Bazelet, C. S., "Pest Fact Sheet: Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae)", IPM Initiative, Stellenbosch University. present.
ac. za/ english/ faculty/ agri/ conservation- ecology/ ipm/ D… Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Western Australia), "Carob moth". agric.
wa. gov. au/ new- horticulture- crops/ carob- moth- 0 Madge, D., Taylor, C., Williams, D., "Carob moth in almonds", All About Almonds fact sheet, Almond Board of Australia. horticulture.
com. au/ globalassets/ hort- innovation/ resource... Vetter, R. S., Millar, J. G., Vickers, N. J., Baker, T. C., "Mating disruption of carob moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae, with a sex pheromone analog", Southwestern Entomologist, 31(1), 33–47, 2006. pure.
psu. edu/ en/ publications/ mating- disruption- of- carob- m… Gothilf, S., "Natural enemies of the carob moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller)", Entomophaga, 14(2), 195–202, 1969. doi.
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