الفهرس 
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Abstract
Pomegranate, Punica granatum L. is an important fruit crop of arid and semiarid regions of the world. In Egypt, pomegranate is one of the most important crops constituting the main income of the farmers especially in Assiut, Upper Egypt. The total cultivated area, production and productivity of pomegranate in Egypt were 80098 feddan (76% of these areas located in Assiut Governorate), 649900 ton (91% produced in Assiut Governorate), and 8.44 ton/ feddan , respectively in year 2019. Cultivation of high yielding cultivars of pomegranate with intensive care and management in the recent past under irrigated condition with early stage exploitation of plant has lead to certain severe pest problems. Among them, infestation by sucking pests like aphids, thrips, whiteflies, mealy bugs, scale insects, mites and pomegranate butterfly results in reduction of pomegranate fruit yield and put the growers into hardship.
Studies reported herein were undertaken for two pomegranate growing seasons (2018 and 2019). The principal objectives of this study were to determine: (1) Population fluctuation of sap sucking insect pests attacking pomegranate cultivars and associated natural enemies at Assiut governorate, (2) Effect of weather factors on the population of pomegranate insect pests and their associated natural enemies, (3) Evaluate of the susceptibility of some pomegranate cultivars to insect pests infestation, (4) Evaluate the efficiency of some insecticides against sucking insect pests and pomegranate butterfly under field conditions and (5) Effect of pomegranate butterfly V. liviea infestation on chemical composition of pomegranate fruits and.
Results were reported in accordance with the objectives outlined above as follows:
Chapter1. Population density and fluctuation of major sucking insect pests on pomegranate cultivars and factors affecting on the population
1. Pomegranate aphid, A. punicae
1.1. Population density and fluctuation of A. punicae
Data expressed about the mean monthly population count of A. punica (nymph and adult stages) on pomegranate cultivars, Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby during 2018 and 2019 seasons. During 2018 season the pomegranate aphid, population started with average number of 1.0 , 0.7 and 0.8 insect/ branch on March 13 (Max. temp. 32.0 °C, Min. temp. 11.14 °C and RH 50.79%) and progressively increased throughout the fourth week of May (54.3, 46.1 and 36.5 insect/branch) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. The highest average monthly numbers during April, May and June were 38.6, 51.6 and 15.7 insect/branch on Manfaloty cultivar, whereas, in Higazy cultivar 30.2, 46.4 and 14.2 insect/branch, Araby cultivar 30.5, 35.6 and 12.5 insect/branch.
During 2019 season, the pomegranate aphid, population started with average number of 1.3 , 1.67 and 1.33 insect/ branch on 26 March (Max. temp. 25.8 °C, Min. temp. 9.6 °C and RH 38.26%) and progressively increased throughout the fourth week of May (5.0, 4.3 and 3.3 insect/branch) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively The highest average monthly numbers during April, May and June were 2.8, 4.6 and 2.5 insect/branch on Manfaloty cultivar, whereas, in Higazy and Araby cultivars 2.6, 3.7 and 2.6 and 2.8, 2.9 and 2.0 insect/branch respectively.
1.2. Effects of some weather factors on the population of A. punicae
Aphid population was observed to be highly and positively correlated with maximum temperature (0.540**, 0.329** and 0.380**) and non-significant positively correlated with minimum temperature (0.008, 0.009 and 0.052), whereas, it was highly significant and negatively correlated with relative humidity (-0.882**, -0.793** and -0.626**) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars during 2018 respectively.
During 2019 season, similar results were obtained and indicated that, aphid population was recorded to be highly and positively correlated with maximum temperature (0.661**, 0.602** and 0.430**) and non-significant positively correlated with minimum temperature (0.119, 0.070 and 0.036), whereas, it was significant and negatively correlated with relative humidity (-0.235, -0.203 and -0.164) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively .
1.3. Field efficiency of certain insecticides against A. punicae
Foliar application of certain insecticides on the pomegranate aphid, A. punica under field conditions showed that, all treatments caused significant reductions to aphid population at 1, 7, 15 and 21 days after treatment (DAT) compared to the control during 2018 and 2019 seasons. No significant differences between Emamectin-benzoate (1.8% EC), imidacloprid (20% SG), thiamethoxam (25% WP) and cypermethrin (25% EC), and gave a high efficiency reduction against pomegranate aphid compared with acetamiprid (25% SP), and carbosulfan (25%WP). During 2018 season, emamectin-benzoate induced a maximum reduction in aphid population, 54.3, 80.7, 44.25 and 48.4% at 1, 7, 15 and 21 DAT respectively. Imidacloprid caused 39.6, 81.5, 74.7 and 73.8%; acetamiprid, thiamethoxam, cypermethrin and carbosulfan showed similar effect with an average ranged from 22.8 to 81.7%.
During 2019 season, neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid, acetamiprid and thiamethoxam recorded the highest reduction percentage in the aphid population with an average (77.6, 69.4 and 56.6%) compared to emamectin-benzoate carbosulfan and cypermethrin (41.5, 61.1 and 43.2%) respectively. The reduction percent of population decreased over the time maybe due to the pomegranate aphid was more tolerant for these insecticides or the residual activity of these insecticides decreased by environmental factors across the time.
2. Pomegranate thrips, Thrips spp.
2.1. Population density and fluctuation of Thrips spp.
The appearance period of pomegranate thrips, Thrips spp. (nymphs and adults stages) was recorded during March and August of 2018 and 2019 seasons. During 2018 season, the maximum population of the pomegranate thrips was recorded with an average 12.0 and 7.33 insect/branch in the 3rd week of June (Max. temp. 42.63 °C, Min. temp. 23.11 °C and RH 42.57%), in Manfaloty and Higazy cultivars. Whereas, the maximum population of the pomegranate thrips was recorded of 5.67 insect/branch in the 2nd week of June (Max. temp. 38.51 °C, Min. temp. 21.66 °C and RH 41.07%), in Araby cultivar.
In 2019 season, the maximum population of pomegranate thrips was recorded in the 3rd week of June 13.0 and 9.33 insects/branch) (Max. temp. 42.0 °C, Min. temp. 18.3 °C and RH 37.36%) in Manfaloty and Higazy cultivars. Whereas, in Araby cultivar, the maximum population of pomegranate thrips was recorded 7.67 insect/branch in the 2nd week of June (Max. temp. 36.2 °C, Min. temp. 15.7 °C and RH 43.86%). Results indicated that, cultivar Manfaloty was found statistically susceptible to pomegranate thrips followed by Higazy and Araby cultivars during two seasons.
2.2. Effects of some weather factors on the population of Thrips spp.
It was generally assumed that the insect population grows and vanishes so fast under the effect of prevailing weather conditions in the field. The pomegranate thrips population showed high significant positive correlation with maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity during 2018 and 2019 seasons for all cultivars. During 2018 season, pomegranate thrips population was recorded to be highly and positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity (0.514**, 0.403** and 0.300**), (0.485**, 0.338**. and 0.409**) and (0.522**, 0.471** and 0.313**) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
During 2019 season, pomegranate thrips population revealed similar treand and recorded to be highly and positively correlated with maximum and minimum temperature and relative humidity (0.561, 0.419 and 0.335), (0.402, 0.330. and 0.403) and (0.530, 0.416 and 0.365) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
3. Whitefly, B. tabaci
3.1. Population density and fluctuation of B. tabaci
During 2018 season the whitefly population started with average number of 1.33 , 6.33 and 3.0 insect/ branch on March 6 (Max. temp. 32.77 °C, Min. temp. 12.70 °C and RH 49.21%) and progressively increased throughout the 1st week of May (22 insect/ branch), 16.0 insect/ branch in the 2nd week of June and 18.33 insect/ branch in 3rd week of May on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. The highest average monthly numbers during April, May and June were 14.73, 18.13 and 13.40 insect/branch on Manfaloty cultivar, whereas, in Higazy cultivar 11.23, 16.63 and 14.40 insect/branch, Araby cultivar 10.48, 16.23 and 13.55 insect/branch.
During 2019 season, the whitefly population started with low numbers with an average of 0.33, 2.0 and 0.33 insect/ branch on March 5 (Max. temp. 24.6 °C, Min. temp. 20.0 °C and RH 49.36%) and progressively increased throughout the 1st week of May (1.67 insect/ branch), 2.0 insect/ branch in 4th week of March and 1.33 insect/ branch in 3rd week of April on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. The results of the experiment during the 2018 season revealed maximum (22.0 insects/branch), (16.0 insects/branch) and (18.33 insects/ branch) infestation levels in the tested cultivars Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby, respectively. Cultivar Manfaloty was found statistically susceptible to B. tabaci However, Higazy and Araby cultivars was found to be statistically at par with each other for B. tabaci infestation.
3.2. Effects of some weather factors on the population of B. tabaci
Whitefly population was observed to be highly and positively correlated with maximum temperature (0.641**, 0.430** and 0.488**) and non-significant positively correlated with minimum temperature (0.058, 0.079 and 0.082), whereas, it was highly significant and negatively correlated with relative humidity (-0.773**, -0.698** and -0.685**) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars during 2018 respectively.
During 2019 season, same results indicated that, whitefly population was recorded to be highly and positively correlated with maximum temperature (0.433, 0.458 and 0.338) and non-significant positively correlated with minimum temperature (0.122, 0.181 and 0.153), whereas, it was significant and negatively correlated with relative humidity (-0.535, -0.409 and -0.541) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
4. Insect predators associated with sucking insect pests on pomegranate
Totally, three main insect predators, eleven-spotted ladybird, C. undecimpunctata , green lacewing, C carnea and syrphid fly (hoverfly), S. corolla , fed on pomegranate sucking insect pests in Assiut governorate.
4.1. Eleven-spotted ladybird, C. undecimpunctata
4.1.1. Population density and fluctuation of C. undecimpunctata
In season 2018, the population density of C. undecimpunctata had two peaks being 2.0 insect/ branch in the 4th week of April (Max temp. 33.31 °C, Min temp. 16.86 °C and RH 40.14%) and 2.00² insect/ branch in 4th week of May (Max temp. 42.61 °C, Min temp. 26.80 °C and RH 35.0%) on Manfaloty cultivar. However, on Higazy and Araby cultivars the population density of C. undecimpunctata had a similar count for more days and ranged from 0.33 to 1.67 insect/ branch.
During 2019 season, the eleven-spotted ladybird population started with low numbers average of 0.33, 1.0 and 0.33 insect/ branch on 5 March (Max. temp. 24.6 °C, Min. temp. 20.0 °C and RH 49.36%) and progressively increased throughout the 4th week of April (1.67 insect/ branch), 1.33 insect/ branch in 4th week of March and 1.33 insect/ branch in 3rd week of April on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively .
4.1.2. Effect of weather factors on the population of C. undecimpunctata
Data revealed that, maximum temperature had a non-significant and positive effect on eleven-spotted ladybird, C. undecimpunctata population with (r-values of 0.232, 0.229 and 0.280) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars. Whereas, minimum temperature and relative humidity showed negative correlation and non-significant effect (r-values of -0.351, -0.114 and -0.352) and (r-values of -0.082, -0.093 and -0.026) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars on the population of C. undecimpunctata during 2018 season.
During 2019 season, a positive correlation and non-significant effect was observed between coccinellid population and maximum temperature (r-values of 0.267, 0.298 and 0230), and a negative correlation and non-significant effect with other parameters, minimum temperature (r-values of -0.245, -0.338 and -0.336) and relative humidity (-0.027, -0.035 and -0.150) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
4.2. Green lacewing, C carnea
4.2.1. Population density and fluctuation of C carnea
The common green lacewing, C. carnea, is considered an important predator in pomegranate trees in Egypt. It prey aphids, thrips, whitefly, mites and eggs and small larvae of several species of lepidopterous pests. The population of C. carnea was low in the early season and reached its peaks in the fourth week of April 8.0, 7.0 and 7.33 insect/branch (Max temp. 33.31 °C, Min temp. 16.86 °C and RH 40.14%) and in the 3rd week of May 9.33, 7.67 and 7.33 insect/branch (Max temp. 37.60 °C, Min temp. 21.97 °C and RH 39.36%) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively during 2018 season.
During 2019 season, the population of C. carnea had two peaks the first peak was in the 4th week of April 2.33, 3.0 and 3.0 insect/branch (Max temp. 31.6 °C, Min temp. 11.0 °C and RH 38.29%) and the second one was in the 2nd week of June 2.0, 2.0 and 1.67 insect/branch (Max temp. 36.2 °C, Min temp. 15.7 °C and RH 43.86%). The population density of C. carnea was in general, much more higher during 2018 pomegranate season than that during 2019 season.
4.2.2. Effect of weather factors on the population of C carnea
Data during 2018 season indicated that, non-significant positive correlation (r-values of 0.133, 0.161 and 0.047) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars existed between maximum temperature and C. carnea population. Whereas, minimum temperature showed negative correlation and non-significant effect (r-values of -0.177, -0.142 and -0.095) and relative humidity showed negative correlation and high significant effect (r-values of -0.694, -0.731 and -0.776) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars on the population of C. carnea during 2018 season.
During 2019 season, the results showed that, non-significant positive correlation was observed between maximum temperature (r-values of 0.216, 0.262 and 0.289), minimum temperature showed negative correlation and non-significant effect (r-values of -0.164, -0.112 and -0.178) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars. Moreover, there was a highly significant and negative correlation between the population of C. carnea and relative humidity (r-values of -0.527, -0.775 and -0.450) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars.
4.3. Syrphid fly (hoverfly), S. corolla
4.3.1. Population density and fluctuation of S. corolla
During 2018 season the population of S. corolla appear in the early season and reached its peaks in the 3rd week of April 1.33, 1.33 and 1.00 insect/branch (Max temp. 39.51 °C, Min temp. 16.91 °C and RH 44.71%) and in the 4th week of May 1.33, 1.33 and 1.67 insect/branch (Max temp. 42.61 °C, Min temp. 26.80 °C and RH 35.00%) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
During 2019 season, the population of S. corolla had two peaks the first peak was in the 3rd week of April 2.00 (Max temp. 29.2 °C, Min temp. 15.6 °C and RH 42.86%), the 4th week of April 1.67 (Max temp. 31.6 °C, Min temp. 11.0 °C and RH 38.29%) and the 2nd week of April 1.33 insect/branch (Max temp. 30.0 °C, Min temp. 13.8 °C and RH 39.29%) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. The population of S. corolla was low during the two seasons 2018 and 2019.
4.3.2. Effect of weather factors on the population of S. corolla
Results in 2018 season indicated that, non-significant negative correlation (r-values of -0.029, -0.213 and -0.059) and (r-values of -0.153, -0.382 and -0.049) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars existed between maximum and minimum temperature and S. corolla population. Whereas, relative humidity showed negative correlation and high significant effect (r-values of -0.543, -0.584 and -0.543) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars on the population of C. carnea during 2018 season.
During 2019 season, the results showed that the same trained, non-significant negative correlation was observed between maximum and minimum temperature (r-values of -0.051, -0.220 and -0.089), (r-values of -0.147, -0.302 and -0.078) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars. Moreover, there was a highly significant and negative correlation between the population of C. carnea and relative humidity (r-values of -0.627, -0.575 and -0.550) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars. These results demonstrate that, relative humidity play a key role in the population of syrphid fly (hoverfly), S. corolla on pomegranate cultivars.
4.4. Relationship between the predators and the population of sucking insect pests of pomegranate
In 2018 season, highly significant positive correlation between sucking insect pests viz., A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci (0.608, 0.313 and 0.594), (0.574, 0.394 and 0.489), and (0.599, 0.457 and 0.661) and C. undecimpunctat, on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. In addition, a highly significant positive correlation between sucking insect pests A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci and C. carnea (0.918, 0.233 and 0.798), (0.906, -0.216 and 0.0.091), and (0.928, -0.162 and 0.752) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. Furthermore, a highly significant positive correlation between sucking insect pests A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci and S. corolla (0.597, 0.077 and 0.518), (0.463, -0.149 and -0.066), and (0.552, 0.071 and 0.427) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
Similar trend was obtained during 2019 season; highly significant and positive correlation between the predator, C. undecimpunctat and the population of pomegranate sucking insect pests (A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci) population (0.588, 0.415, 0.655), (0.475, 0.365, 0.546) and (0.688, 0.655, 0.661) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. Moreover, a highly significant positive correlation between sucking insect pests A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci and C. carnea (0.728, 0.323 and 0.685), (0.855, -0.125 and 0.165), and (0.765, -0.097 and 0.685) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively. In addition, a highly significant positive correlation between sucking insect pests A. punicae, Thrips spp. and B. tabaci and S. corolla (0.568, 0.165 and 0.673), (0.546, -0.156 and -0.098), and (0.785, 0.125 and 0.398) on Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars respectively.
Chapter2. Pomegranate butterfly: infestation development, pomegranate cultivars susceptibility, field efficiency of certain insecticides against pomegranate butterfly and effect the infestation on chemical compositions of pomegranate fruits
1. Susceptibility and development of pomegranate cultivar Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby fruits to the infestation by V. livia
Fruit infestation by V. livia appeared around May 5 and in June 5 in all cultivars. It reached at the end of May and it continued to increase in September 7 in both two seasons. During 2018 seasons, the monthly average percent infestation of V. livia increase in May, June, July, August and September with an average 16.75, 30.50, 45.50, 52.25 and 60.00 % on pomegranate cultivar “Manfaloty” respectively. In Higazy and Araby cultivars, results show a similar trend the monthly average percent infestation of V. livia increase from May to September (18.65, 35.75, 45.25, 52.25 and 54.50%) and (12.72, 34.00, 47.25, 54.50 and 63.00%)respectively. The average percent infestations at harvest were 60.0, 54.5 and 63.0 % in Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars, respectively.
During 2019 seasons, results show a similar trend and indicated the monthly average percent infestation of V. livia increased in May, June, July, August and September with an average (16.57, 30.50, 39.75, 52.00 and 58.00%) on pomegranate cultivar “Manfaloty” respectively. In Higazy and Araby cultivars , results show a similar trend the monthly average percent infestation of V. livia increased from May to September (13.90, 31.25, 41.25, 49.75 and 56.50%) and (12.00, 32.25, 44.50, 53.00 and 58.00%) respectively. The average percent infestations at harvest were 58.00, 56.50, and 58.00% in Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars, respectively.
2. Field efficiency of certain insecticides against V. liviae
Data presented indicated that fibronil (11.25, 18.75, 25.00, 30.00 and 30.00%), cyromazine (12.50, 20.00, 25.00, 28.75 and 30.00%), indoxacarb (15.00, 22.50, 28.75, 30.00 and 30.00%), Bacillus thuringiensis (12.50, 21.25, 28.75, 33.75 and 40.00%), chlorpyrifos (11.25, 20.00, 27.50, 31.25 and 35.00%) and emamectin-benzoate (12.50, 21.25, 25.00, 25.00 and 25.00%) caused a significant reduction in pomegranate fruits infestation by V. livia compared to control (16.75, 30.50, 45.50, 55.25 and 60.00%) from May to September in Manfaloty cultivar during 2018 season. Results demonstrated that, a significant decrease of infestations was found with all pesticides. Indeed, we found at harvest time a lower increase of infestations 25.0, 30.0, 30.0 and 30.0%, with emamectin-benzoate, fibronil, cyromazine and indoxacarb in Manfaloty cultivar, respectively.
Similar results were found during 2019 season for all pesticides. All pesticides caused a significant reduction in pomegranate fruits infestation by V. livia, fibronil (13.75, 26.50, 30.00, 36.25 and 42.50%), cyromazine (13.75, 22.50, 30.00, 35.00 and 35.00%), indoxacarb (13.75, 22.50, 25.00, 25.00 and 27.50%), Bacillus thuringiensis (11.25, 23.75, 30.00, 36.25 and 40.00%%), chlorpyrifos (11.25, 23.75, 30.00, 30.. and 35.00%) and emamectin-benzoate (11.25, 20.00, 25.00, 30.00 and 32.50%) compared to control (16.57, 30.50, 39.75, 52.00 and 58.00%) from May to September in Manfaloty cultivar during respectively. In addition, data at harvest time recorded a lower increase of infestations 27.5, 32.50, 35.00, 35.00, 40.00 and 42.50%, with indoxacarb, emamectin-benzoate, cyromazine, chlorpyrifos, Bacillus thuringiensis and fibronil, in Manfaloty cultivar, respectively. In all cases, the highest infestation rates were in the untreated field.
3. Effects of foliar treatments of certain insecticides on pomegranate fruit weight
Results indicated that, the treatment of fibronil (0.15 gL-1), cyromazine (0.40 gL-1), indoxacarb (0.30 gL-1), B. thuringiensis (2.50 gL-1), chlorpyrifos (0.50 mlL-1) and emamectin-benzoate (0.40 mlL-1) against the pomegranate butterfly V. livia, under field conditions increased the average weight fruits (e.g., 401.5, 373.5, 470.5, 389.0, 380.5, and 493.5 gm/fruit, respectively) and increase significantly the average weight of the fruits by about 16.17-53.49% compared to the control in pomegranate Manfaloty cultivar during 2018 season. In 2019 season, fibronil, cyromazine, indoxacarb, B. thuringiensis, chlorpyrifos and emamectin-benzoate also increased the average weight of fruits (e.g., 450.5, 350.0, 494.5, 399.0, 374.5 and 451.0 gm/fruit, respectively) and increase significantly the average weight of the fruits by about 4.47-47.61% compared to the control in pomegranate Manfaloty cultivar.
4. Influence of pomegranate butterfly, V. liviae infestation on chemical composition of pomegranate fruits
The pomegranate butterfly, Virachola livia (Klug), is one of the most important pests in Egypt affects the quantity and quality of fruits. At the end of the season, 20 healthy fruits and 20 infested fruits were collected from Manfaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars to determine the effect of infestation on some chemical compositions of pomegranate fruits (juice and peels).
4.1. Effect of pomegranate butterfly, V. livia infestation on pomegranate juice quality
Results showed that the infestation of pomegranate butterfly reduced the percentage of total soluble solids (14.73,13.93and13.90%), TSS/acidity ratio (12.42,11.71 and8.49%), total sugars (12.92,12.48 and 12.34%) and total reducing sugars (11.32,11.03 and10.33%) and caused a significant increase of total titratable acidity(1.19,1.39and1.54) in the infested fruits compared to the healthy fruits TSS(16.43,16.33and14.37%), TSS/acidity ratio (14.41,14.24 and10.97%), TS (14.88,14.62 and13.42%) and TRS (14.13,13.23and11.19%) and TTA (1.13,1.26 and1.35) of Mnafaloty, Higazy and Araby cultivars, respectively.
4.2. Effect of pomegranate butterfly, V. livia infestation on pomegranate peels chemical compositions
The infestation of pomegranate butterfly also affects the chemical composition of pomegranate peels which reduced the percentage of moisture (72.96, 65.53 and 61.78%), protein (4.52,4.07 and 3.62%), Potassium (12.70, 10.72 and 10.01 g/kg) and Calcium (2.59, 2.54 and 3.21 g/kg) and caused a significant increase in total carbohydrates (28.89, 27.27 and 12.93%), and pH values (3.87, 3.90 and 4.19) in the infested fruits compared to the healthy fruits moisture (74.53,67.08 and 62.76%), protein (4.93,4.28 and 4.91%), potassium (15.92,13.16, and 12.21 g/kg), Calcium (3.26, 3.70 and 3.95 g/kg) total carbohydrates (22.37,25.51 and 12.21%), and pH values (4.09,3.99 and 4.46). These results show that the pomegranate butterfly infestation affects the chemical composition of fruits and decreased the economic importance of pomegranate. Therefore, an integrated control program must be developed for this pest to improve the quality and quantity of pomegranate fruits and to reduce its damage to the crop.