Comparison of feeding indices and digestive enzymes of pomegranate neckworm, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lep.: Pyralidae) on three pomegranate cultivars

In this research nutritional indices of pomegranate neckworm on the three cultivars of pomegranate including Malas-Daneh-Sia، Gabri and Shahvar were studied under controlled conditions (30 ± 1ºC، 70 ± 5% RH and 16L: 8D). Enzymatic activity in the midgut of larvae reared on these cultivars was also compared. Results indicated that the relative consumption rate (RCR) was significantly different among three cultivars. The highest amounts of the relative growth rate (RGR)، efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) and efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD) were observed on Shahvar cultivar. The approximate digestibility (AD) on Malas-Daneh-Sia was the highest. The highest enzymatic activities of α-amylases and lipases were observed in the midgut of larvae reared on Shahvar cultivar. In contrast، proteases demonstrated the lowest activity in these larvae. The present findings showed that the shahvar cultivar has a higher feeding quality for pomegranate neckworm.