The Role of Sex Pheromones in the Control of the Olive Fruit Fly, Dacus Oleae: Present Status — Prospects

Abstract

Since 1981, when synthetic sex pheromones of Dacus oleae became available, much effort has been made toward their use in the control of this pest. A brief review of background information pertaining to this subject is presented here. Attempts at practical use of D. oleae pheromones include: monitoring, mass trapping and mating disruption. Although definite correlation of pheromone trap catches and olive fruit infestation has been reported, pheromone traps are not used yet for monitoring wild populations. Mass trapping, after its 5-year development process, today shows good possibilities of success. Although mass trapping in its present form cannot replace current control practices, it is expected that improvement of trap efficiency and establishment of optimal trap densities will make this goal possible in the near future. Mating disruption is still at the preliminary stage, though some encouraging results have been reported.