The release ofOpius concolor andO. Concolor var.Siculus [Hym.: Braconidae] against the spring generation ofDacus oleae [Dipt.: Trypetidae] on Corfu

Abstract

Releases ofOpius concolorSzepl. andO. concolor var.siculusMon. were carried out in the spring to determine if they could be used as a biological control agent against the heavy infestation ofDacus oleaeGmel. which occurs on Corfu at that time. At an initial density of 300–400 parasites per tree the mean parasitism rates of 3rd stage larvae ranged from 30–50% in the 1st week following the release, indicating thatOpius could work well in the spring in the tall trees with large numbers of ripe and heavily infested fruits that are found on Corfu.