Ceratitis Capitata Research Articles

The Population Dynamics and Parasitism Rates of Ceratitis capitata, Anastrepha fraterculus, and Drosophila suzukii in Non-Crop Hosts: Implications for the Management of Pest Fruit Flies.

Understanding the seasonal dynamics inherent to non-crop host-fruit fly-parasitoid interactions is vitally important for implementing eco-friendly pest control strategies. This study assessed the abundance and seasonal infestation levels of three pest fly species, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura), as well as the related saprophytic drosophilids, and their natural parasitism in a disturbed wild habitat characterized by non-crop hosts in northwestern Argentina over 40 months. Juglans australis Griseb (walnut), Citrus aurantium L. (sour orange), Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindley (loquat), Prunus persica (L.) Batsch (peach), and Psydium guajava L. (guava) were sampled throughout their fruiting seasons. Fruits were collected from both the tree canopies and the ground. The most abundant puparia was A. fraterculus, followed by C. capitata and D. suzukii. Drosophila species from the D. melanogaster group were highly abundant only in fallen fruits. Spatiotemporal overlaps of different host fruit availability provided suitable sources for pest proliferation throughout the year. The populations of both invasive pests peaked from December to January, and were related to the highest ripe peach availability, whereas the A. fraterculus population peaked from February to April, overlapping with the guava fruiting period. The three pest fly species were parasitized mainly by three generalist resident parasitoids, which are potential biocontrol agents to use within an integrated pest management approach.

Compatibility of soil application of Metarhizium brunneum and cover crops against Ceratitis capitata soil-dwelling stages

Fruit fly ground-dwelling stages (late third instar larvae, pupae, and teneral adults) are susceptible to predation from generalist ground-dwelling predators and to infection by entomopathogenic fungi (EPF). The effect of predators can be enhanced with cover crops and that of EPF by augmentative releases. However, whether these two biological control methods could be combined has not been studied under field conditions yet. Here, we studied in the field whether the enhanced activity of predators against the medfly, Ceratitis capitata, already observed in a Lolium arundinaceum ground cover could be impaired by a soil application of Metarhizium brunneum. Our results show that C. capitata adult emergence was reduced by this EPF for up to three months after fungal application, with the combination of the cover and M. brunneum being the most effective at reducing C. capitata emergence relative to bare soil (92.5% reduction). Although M. brunneum reduced the activity density of ground-dwelling predatory beetles up to 93 days after application, it showed no clear negative effects on earwigs, no effects on spiders, and a positive effect on ants up to 65 days after application. Therefore, the combined use of a ground cover of L. arundinaceum and M. brunneum against the soil-dwelling stages of C. capitata seems to work synergistically and appears as a strong and sustainable control tactic against the medfly and other fruit orchard pests.

Probiotic consortium modulating the gut microbiota composition and function of sterile Mediterranean fruit flies

The sterile insect technique (SIT) remains a successful approach in managing pest insects. However, the long-term mass rearing and sterilizing radiation associated with SIT have been observed to induce physiological and ecological fitness decline in target insects. This decline may be attributed to various factors, including commensal microbiota dysbiosis, selection procedures, loss of heterozygosity, and other complex interactions.. There is evidence that the bacterial symbiont of insects may play critical roles in digestion, development, reproduction, and behavior. Probiotics are an increasingly common approach for restoring the intestinal microbiota structure and fitness parameters of sterile insects, particularly in the Vienna 8 genetic sexing strain (V8-GSS) of the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata. Here, we explore the influence of the previously isolated bacterial strain, Lactococcus lactis, Enterobacter sp., and Klebsiella oxytoca, administration as probiotic consortia (LEK-PC) to the larvae and/or adult diet over the course of 20 rearing generations on fitness parameters. The experiment was carried out in four colonies: a control colony (C), one to which probiotics were not added, one to which probiotics were added to the larval medium (L+), one to which probiotics were added to the adult medium (A+), and one to which probiotics were added to both the larval and adult mediums (AL+). Emergence, flight ability, survival under stress conditions, and mating competitiveness, were all significantly improved by the LEK-PC treatment independently of the administration stage. The intestinal microbiota structure of various medfly V8-GSS colonies also underwent a significant shift, despite the fact that the core microbial community was unaffected by the LEK-PC administration stage, according to 16S metagenomics sequencing. Comparison of the metabolic function prediction and associated carbohydrate enzymes among colonies treated with “LEK-PC” showed an enrichment of metabolic functions related to carbohydrates, amino acids, cofactors, and vitamins metabolism, as well as, glycoside hydrolase enzymes in the AL+ colony compared to the control. This study enriches the knowledge regarding the benefits of probiotic treatment to modulate and restore the intestinal microbiota of C. capitata sterile males for a better effectiveness of the SIT.

Gene drive and genetic sex conversion in the global agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata

Homing-based gene drives are recently proposed interventions promising the area-wide, species-specific genetic control of harmful insect populations. Here we characterise a first set of gene drives in a tephritid agricultural pest species, the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (medfly). Our results show that the medfly is highly amenable to homing-based gene drive strategies. By targeting the medfly transformer gene, we also demonstrate how CRISPR-Cas9 gene drive can be coupled to sex conversion, whereby genetic females are transformed into fertile and harmless XX males. Given this unique malleability of sex determination, we modelled gene drive interventions that couple sex conversion and female sterility and found that such approaches could be effective and tolerant of resistant allele selection in the target population. Our results open the door for developing gene drive strains for the population suppression of the medfly and related tephritid pests by co-targeting female reproduction and shifting the reproductive sex ratio towards males. They demonstrate the untapped potential for gene drives to tackle agricultural pests in an environmentally friendly and economical way.

Latitudinal variation in survival and immature development of Ceratitis capitata populations reared in two key overwintering hosts

Ceratitis capitata, a major agricultural pest, is currently expanding its geographic distribution to northern, temperate areas of Europe. Its seasonal biology and invasion success depend on temperature, humidity and host availability. In coastal warmer Mediterranean regions and cooler temperature areas, bitter oranges and apples serve as overwintering hosts during the larval stage. We assessed the overwintering capacity of C. capitata populations obtained from different areas of the northern hemisphere by studying the survival and development rates of immature stages in both fruits under laboratory conditions. Eggs from each population were artificially inserted in the flesh of the two hosts and kept at 15, 20, or 25 °C until pupation and adult emergence. Climatic analysis of the area of the population origin showed combined effects of latitude, host and macroclimatic variables on immature survival and development rates. Egg to adult survival rates and developmental duration were longer in apples than in bitter oranges. For populations originated from southern-warmer areas, egg to adult developmental duration was prolonged and adult emergence reduced at 15 °C compared to those populations obtained from northern regions. Our findings reveal varying plastic responses of medfly populations to different overwintering hosts and temperatures highlighting the differential overwintering potential as larvae within fruits. This study contributes towards better understanding the medfly invasion dynamics in temperate areas of Northern Europe and other parts of the globe with similar climates.

Biodiversité des communautés de mouches des fruits (Diptera, Tephritidae) et dynamique des populations de Ceratitis capitata dans un agroécosystème de grenadier à M’sila (Algérie)

In order to study the biodiversity of fruit flies (Diptera, Tephritidae) in two pomegranate agroecosystems in M’sila (North East of Algeria) and to monitor the dynamics of their populations, we used two types of trapping between October 2017 and November 2018. The first type is based on McPhail traps baited with the pheromone trimedlure and is exclusively intended for the study of the dynamics of the populations of the ceratitis. The second is mass trapping based on a network of olipe traps baited with diammonium phosphate, intended to study both the biodiversity of other fruit flies captured by this trap and their population dynamics. The inventory of Tephritidae revealed the presence of six species namely: Acanthiophilus helianthi (Rossi, 1794), Bactrocera oleae (Rossi, 1790), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824), Dacus frontalis (Becker, 1922), Tephritis nigricauda (Loew, 1856) and Tephritis praecox (Loew, 184 4). We note the rediscovery of D. frontalis 22 years after its first report. Two species of Tephritidae marked their dominance in the traps of the massive trapping network, namely: T. praecox and B. oleae. The use of the density of flies per trap and per day was assessed by calculating the FTD: number of flies per trap per day which constitutes a tool for indicating the level of the population and its monitoring, for phytosanitary alerts related to fruit flies. The FTD values of the fruit fly attracted by the McPhail trap according to the field trips were between 0.1190 at the end of June and 10.7083 (peak) at the beginning of October for the Boukhmissa orchard and between 0.0159 at the end of June and 3.1429 (peak) at the end of October for the Ouled Addi orchard.

Biologia comparativa da mosca do mediterrâneo em frutos de carambola e manga

ABSTRACT Ceratitis capitata is a polyphagous species adapted to the most diverse hosts. The life cycle of C. capitata is influenced by the host species in which it develops, and information about its biological data in star fruit is scarce. This study aimed to characterize the biological cycle of C. capitata in star fruit and mango. Portions of 20 g were offered in Petri dishes lined with moistened filter paper to 20 first-instar larvae up to three hours of age. Evaluations were performed daily, quantifying the period and larval survival, pupal viability and mass (puparia weighed at 24 hours of age), longevity, egg-adult period, and fecundity. Larval survival ranged from 89.75% in star fruit to 94.25% in mango. Pupal viability and mass were higher in larvae fed mango. The length of the larval period was not affected by the food substrate. Total and daily fecundities were higher in females from larvae fed mango. Both fruits allowed the complete development of C. capitata, but mango is the most suitable host for its development.

Exploring the Efficacy of Essential Oils in Laboratory Conditions for Controlling Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), poses a significant threat to agriculture worldwide. This study examines the potential insecticidal effects of essential oils from Mentha arvensis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum on controlling C. capitata under laboratory conditions. Even at low concentrations, toxicity assays indicated that both essential oils significantly increased the mortality of adult Medflies. The concentration-dependent effect of these oils on C. capitata mortality is demonstrated, with Mentha arvensis achieving 100% mortality within 48 hours at 1% concentration and Cinnamomum zeylanicum exhibiting rapid efficacy, reaching a low LC50 value after only 1 hour of application. The concentration and application time of essential oils were found to have a significant impact on their effectivness. This study highlights the potential of essential oils for controlling C. capitata populations. Essential oils offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for managing C. capitata but further studies are necessary for their successful incorporation into integrated pest management programs.

FIVE BIODEMOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLES OF AGING THAT EMERGED FROM RESEARCH ON THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT FLY

Abstract Because of its large size, visually-distinct sex differences, abundance in the wild and ease of rearing at both industrial and individual levels, the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) is an ideal model organism for conducting research on the demography of aging. I will present details on and implications for what I consider to be the five most interesting and important aging-related discoveries from the NIA-funded research my colleagues and I conducted over the past three decades using the medfly model. These discoveries include (1)Deceleration of mortality at advanced ages; (2)Equivocality of the gender gap due to context-specific sex mortality relationships; (3)Supine behavior as a biomarker of both morbidity onset and time-to-death; (4)A dietary disconnect between maximizing longevity vs maximizing lifetime reproduction; and (5)the life table population identity in which the fraction age x in a stationary population equals the fraction with x years to live. I will end with brief comments about the use of non-conventional model organisms for research on aging in both the laboratory and the field.

BIODEMOGRAPHY OF AGING, CELEBRATING JAMES W. VAUPEL, PHD

Abstract James W. Vaupel, PhD (1945 – 2022), was an international leader in demography and aging research and a pioneer in the field of biodemography. He was a highly creative researcher and very entrepreneurial in the development of new interdisciplinary research environments. This symposium highlights a few of the biodemographic research areas that Dr. Vaupel has been a catalyst for. Denmark was Dr. Vaupel’s home country during the last third of his life, and Dr. Christensen reports on findings from Danish nationwide genetic-epidemiological studies on twins and the oldest old: familial influence on aging phenotypes, cohort differences in health among the oldest old, associations of early life events with late life health, as well as tongue-in-cheek research on perceived age and teeth. Dr. Alberts discusses the ‘invariant rate of aging’ hypothesis that was developed by Vaupel and others. She presents comparative analyses from multiple nonhuman primate populations showing that, while life expectancy can continue to improve, we probably can’t slow the demographic rate of aging. Dr. Campos presents evidence from a wild baboon population in Kenya that glucocorticoid levels—biological markers of stress responses—are strong prognostic indicators of survival and may be key explanations of life span disparities. Dr. Carey presents key discoveries from large-scale studies involving the Mediterranean fruit fly. These include the slowing of mortality at older ages, context-specific sex mortality differentials, a behavioral biomarker for morbidity, dietary conditions for maximizing lifespan versus reproduction and a stationary population identity whereby life lived equals life left.

New native host plant records for frugivorous flies (Diptera: Tephritidae, Lonchaeidae) in Northeastern Brazil

The fruit flies Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann, 1830), Anastrepha sororcula Zucchi, 1979, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann, 1824) (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Neosilba pendula (Bezzi, 1989) (Diptera: Lonchaeidae) are recorded for the first time emerging from Campomanesia dichotoma (O.Berg) Mattos and Campomanesia ilhoensis Mattos (Myrtaceae), two native species occurring in fragments of Atlantic Forest over dunes, in the northernmost limit of this biome in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The flies emerged from fruit samples obtained at the conservation area at Parque Estadual Dunas do Natal. The parasitoids that emerged from the puparia were also recorded, with Aganaspis pelleranoi (Brèthes) being recorded for the first time for the state. These records are of importance for monitoring and further understanding of the cycles on alternative hosts especially where these species are considered agricultural pests.

Effects of phytosanitary irradiation on the quality and postharvest storage performance of ‘Orri’ mandarins

‘Orri’ is the main mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) cultivar grown in Israel and exported to global markets. As part of the export process, these fruits are exposed to quarantine treatments against the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitus capitate. In the current study, we examined the effects of phytosanitary ionizing irradiation treatments at doses of between 150 and 400 Gy on the quality and postharvest storage performance of ‘Orri’ mandarins. In 2021, we exposed ‘Orri’ mandarins to gamma irradiation doses of 150 and 400 Gy, and then stored the fruit for 3 or 6 weeks at 5 °C, followed by one additional week under shelf-life conditions at 22 °C. In 2022, we exposed ‘Orri’ mandarins to 150 Gy, which is the approved quarantine treatment against fruit flies, and then stored the fruit for 4 or 9 weeks at 5 °C, followed by one or two additional weeks under shelf-life conditions at 22 °C. The results indicate that the examined irradiation treatments do not affect the quality or postharvest storage performance of ‘Orri’ mandarins, as no significant differences were observed between the treated fruit and the untreated control fruit, in terms of weight loss, firmness, color, decay, peel damage, juice total soluble solids, acidity and vitamin C contents, ethanol accumulation or perceived flavor. We conclude that 'Orri’ mandarins are tolerant of postharvest phytosanitary irradiation treatments.

Biology, ecology and invasiveness of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata: a review

Biology, ecology and invasiveness of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata: a review

Management of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata: past, present, and future

Management of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata: past, present, and future

Lethality of pesticides on immature and adult stages of Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

AbstractThe species Ceratitis capitata (Weidemann, 1824), known as Mediterranean fruit fly, is an important pest for fruit trees worldwide. The control of this pest is carried out mainly by the chemical method, using organophosphorus, pyrethroid, and spinosyn pesticides. The lethality of doses of malathion, deltamethrin, and spinetoram on immature and adult stages of C. capitata was evaluated under laboratory conditions. The egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages were exposed to doses of pesticides through contact and ingestion. The doses were obtained by decreasing the recommended doses (malathion: 200 mL L−1, deltamethrin: 50 mL L−1, and spinetoram: 120 g ha−1) with intervals of 20%, this being the minimum dose used. The variables evaluated were: viability of eggs and pupae and mortality of larvae and adults. Application of spinetoram and malathion through contact caused high mortality of adults, with LD90 at the sub‐doses of 43.74% (52.48 g c.p. ha−1) and 68.81% (137.62 mL c.p. 100 L−1), respectively. The mortality of adults by ingestion of deltamethrin and malathion allowed us to estimate only the LD50. Only the pesticide deltamethrin presented LD50 for the egg stage. The larval and pupal stages the effect of the pesticides on larvae treated through contact resulted in 52% mortality with spinetoram and 62% with malathion. The mortality of larvae and pupae treated through ingestion was below 20% for the three pesticides. Sub‐doses of spinetoram (43.74%; 52.48 g c.p. ha−1) and malathion (68.81%; 137.62 mL c.p. 100 L−1) can be used since they present a 90% efficiency on C. capitata adult when applied by contact under laboratory conditions.

Macaronesian Plants as Promising Biopesticides against the Crop Pest Ceratitis capitata.

Ceratitis capitata is responsible for significant economic losses in the fruit production industry, and the market lacks biopesticides that are effective but also cheaper and less contaminating, with fewer negative impacts on the environment. In this regard, the present study suggests as potential options ethanolic extracts from several Macaronesian plants, which inhibit the oviposition and are toxic to C. capitata, and whose preparation involve a non-toxic solvent (i.e., ethanol), low energy expenditure and cheap apparatus (i.e., maceration at room temperature). Among the evaluated species, the extracts of Hedychium gardnerianum, Cistus symphytifolius and Salvia canariensis are the most active (50 mg/mL), revealing an increase in C. capitata adults' mortality from 21.15% to 27.41% after 72 h, a value statistically identical to azadirachtin (25.93%) at the recommended concentration (0.88 mg/mL). Considering the quantity and biomass available to prepare a biopesticide in the future, and the level of activity, the ethanolic extract of H. gardnerianum was fractionated and each fraction tested. The water fraction at 50 mg/mL proved to be more effective than the original extract, both in terms of mortality (57.69%), with LT50 = 72.5 h, and oviposition deterrence (83.43%), values statistically higher than those obtained by azadirachtin at 0.88 mg/mL. Analysis of this fraction by HPLC-MS/MS showed that it is mainly composed of glycosylated derivatives of quercetin and myricetin in addition to some triterpenes. These findings highlight some Macaronesian species, and in particular, the more polar fraction of H. gardnerianum ethanolic extract, as promising and ecological alternatives to conventional insecticides, for use in the integrated management of the C. capitata pest.

Toxicity and residual effects of spinetoram on adults and larvae of Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The use of organophosphate insecticides is one of the main strategies for the chemical control of Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Brazil. Although organophosphate insecticides are effective in population suppression, their constant use (up to 5 applications/harvest) may favor pest resistance. Nevertheless, some organophosphate insecticides are highly toxic to natural enemies and thus their use has been banned. In this study, we investigated acute and residual toxicity of different doses of insecticide spinetoram for the control of larvae and adults of A. fraterculus and C. capitata under laboratory and field conditions. Spinetoram (Delegate 250WG™) showed high toxicity to adults and larvae of A. fraterculus and C. capitata (mortality>80%), based on topical application and ingestion bioassays. At the highest dose evaluated, 5.0 g a.i. (active ingredient) per 100 L of water, spinetoram was statistically similar to organophosphate (Lorbans 480BR™), but superior to neonicotinoid (Eleitto™), standard products for fruit fly control in Brazil. In addition, at doses 3.75 and 5 g a.i.100 L-1, spinetoram showed significant toxicity (mortality>70%) via tarsal contact for both species. Furthermore, toxic effects at depth were observed on larvae of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of fly species in apple and peach fruits, reducing adult emergence by up to 90%. In the field, the highest dose evaluated (spinetoram 5 g a.i.100 L-1) reduced infestation of A. fraterculus by 90%. The results show that spinetoram could be used in the management of A. fraterculus and C. capitata, also as an alternative control for insect resistance management programs.

Competition Between the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata, and the Peach Fruit Fly, Bactrocera zonata Under the Agricultural Ecosystem in Central Iraq

The fruit fly is found all over the world. Ceratitis capitata and the peach fruit fly Bactrocera zonata are among the most damaging fruit pests in the world, causing serious economic and environmental losses and damages. The study was carried out in the Baghdad province in the locations of Al-Taji and Al-Rashidiyah to determine the seasonal presence of C. capitata and B. zonata. Males were trapped using sexual pheromone traps. The results showed that B. zonata flies collected in traps had higher population densities than C. capitata flies. The findings also revealed that the presence of B. zonata was highest in mid-November and lowest in February and March. The results show that, unlike C. capitata, B. zonata can endure high temperatures. The study’s findings revealed a competitive displacement of B. zonata at the expense of C. capitata, whose presence reduced over the study season, which lasted from 1/3/2022 to 15/2/2023. This type of research aids in understanding the time map of these pests, which aids in anticipating the times of their appearance, allowing farmers to select the most optimal times for economically feasible treatment and when the pests approach crucial economic limitations. At the same time, it will supply essential data to interested parties, researchers, and companies that can be used in future studies.

Interference of tritrophic (grape × medfly × parasitoid) interactions by mineral and biomaterial films.

Fruit fly infestation is one of the main obstacles to the exportation of fresh agricultural produce. Films of mineral particles and biomaterials have the potential to protect fruits against tephritid fruit fly infestation. The present study evaluated the effects of particle films on the tritrophic interactions of grape (Vitis vinifera L.), the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) and the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) under semi-field conditions. Grapes were biometrically characterised (i.e. colour, firmness, mass, length and diameter), treated with mineral particles, biomaterials or distilled water (control), and then used in oviposition and parasitism bioassays. In the oviposition bioassay, the treated grapes were exposed to 50 C. capitata pairs in field cages, and after 48 h, the punctures and eggs on each fruit were counted. In the parasitism bioassay, treated grapes were artificially infested with third-instar C. capitata larvae (two per fruit), exposed (2 h) to 50 D. longicaudata pairs in field cages to determine parasitism index, larval and pupal viabilities and number of flies and parasitoids emerged. Treatment with the mineral film affected fruit colour and reduced C. capitata oviposition but failed to significantly affect the parasitism capacity of D. longicaudata. The ability of the parasitoid to locate and parasitise C. capitata larvae in kaolin-coated fruits suggests that kaolin films could be used in conjunction with biological agents to control fruit flies.

Can the use of particle films for fruit protection against medfly alter the behavior of the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata?

AbstractThe use of particle films, especially kaolin‐based films, is a promising technology to control infestations of Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), an important pest of fruits. However, its effects on one of the most important biocontrol agents of this fly in Brazil, the parasitoid Diachasmimorpha longicaudata (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of mineral particle films on the oviposition behavior of D. longicaudata and to determine the success of parasitism in C. capitata using grape (Vitis vinifera L., Vitaceae) as substrate. Before the bioassays, the color characteristics, firmness, total soluble solid content, pH, and titratable acidity of the fruits were determined. Grapes were immersed in suspensions of kaolin Surround WP, kaolin 607, kaolin 608, and distilled water (control); thereafter, they were perforated, and two C. capitata third instars were inserted into the orifice. The grapes were then exposed to a female parasitoid. The frequency and duration of the following behavioral parameters of D. longicaudata were evaluated: landing on fruit, inspection, buccal contact, oviposition, cleaning, resting on fruit, and resting on cage. Furthermore, parasitism success was assessed. Mineral particle films altered the color and firmness of the grapes. The females of D. longicaudata performed all distinguished behaviors in treated and untreated grapes, except buccal contact, which was not done on the kaolin‐treated fruits. Kaolin 607 negatively affected landing, inspection, puncture, and rest behaviors; kaolin Surround WP only reduced inspection and puncture. Fruit coating with all three tested kaolin products decreased the success of parasitism of D. longicaudata, indicating that particle films applied to plant organs can affect the behavior of this natural enemy.