Application of oviposition deterrent compounds for the control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Rossi. (Dip. Tephritidae) control

Abstract

Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Dip.: Tephritidae) which reduces the quantity and quality of olive products and oil, is considered as the most serious olive pest in the world, also in Iran. The present study was conducted in the Roudbar olive Research Station in Guilan, Iran between 2015 to 2017 regarding the efficiency of several oviposition deterrent compounds to reduce olive fruit fly damage. The treatments included kaolin 5% (Sepidan®), kaolin 4% (Sepidan®), kaolin 5% (Sepidan®)+ copper hydroxide, kaolin 4% (Sepidan®)+ copper hydroxide, copper hydroxide, and water as control. The experiment was performed in a (CRBD). Spraying was done three times a year. First, at the time of the pit hardening of the olive fruit, which was in late June. Second, with the activity onset of the second generation of the pest in early September and third with the appearance of the third generation of pests in early October. As a result, kaolin 5% + copper hydroxide had the highest oviposition deterrents effect on the olive fruit fly. In the first year of the study, the lowest level of total fruit infestation in this compound was 5.00 ± 1.46. In the second year, it was 5.00 ± 1.26. In the third year, the total fruit infestation was 2.42 ± 1.04 for kaolin 5% + copper hydroxide and 2.85 ± 1.22 for copper hydroxide which showed the lowest level of infestation of fruits. The results showed that copper hydroxide alone or combined with kaolin 5% with at least two sprays is recommended for controlling B. oleae and reducing the fruit damage.