A kaolin-based particle film for suppression of the olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae Gmelin (Dip., Tephritidae) in olive groves

The efficacy of a kaolin-based particle film formulation M-99-099 to control olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Gmelin, field infestations was investigated in north-western Syria. The results showed that fruit infestation levels were significantly reduced on kaolin-treated trees compared with untreated trees. Kaolin particle film successfully suppressed B. oleae populations and provided season-long insect control ( > 14 weeks) whereas the insecticide dimethoate failed to protect olives for as long a period after the last spray. Consistent with previous findings, the M-99-099 kaolin particle film proved to be a promising alternative method to synthetic insecticides and could be used to control B. oleae in olive groves.