Preliminary investigations on efficacy of spinosad and kaolin against Rhagoletis cerasi Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Tephritidae) in organic cherry cultivation

Abstract

The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of chosen alternative products which may be used to control against the cherry fruit fly [Rhagoletis cerasi Linnaeus, 1758 (Diptera: Tephritidae)] in cherry production area in the Izmir (Kemalpasa) province. Kaolin and Spinosad were chosen as alternative products. The effects of applications which were made in three different orchards were evaluated by counting the fruits with or without larvae. According to the results, spinosad had an effect between %69.23 - 72.31, and kaolin had an effect between %72.64 - 79.49 against R. cerasi varying different orchards. During the sampling of cherry fruits, it was observed that there was an important statistical difference between the control and the alternative products, but there was no significant difference between the alternative products. Although the promising effect of kaolin, it may be not preferred by producers because of white-colored layer which leaves on the cherry fruits. The spinosad is considered promising in organic agriculture. The results from the study are discussed in details particularly for middle and late season cherry varieties.