Control of Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) in organic olive orchards: use of clays and spinosad-based bait

Abstract: In the last years, new environmental friendly products were used to control Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), clays and spinosad are the most used, but their effectiveness has not yet been compared. Tests on the effectiveness of clays (kaolin and bentonite) and spinosad-based bait in the control of olive fruit fly B. oleae were carried out in three different Sicilian organic olive groves planted with Nocellara del Belice and Cerasuola cultivars. Results showed an efficacy of spinosad-based bait to control B. oleae infestations lower than the kaolin sprays. Among the tested tools kaolin sprays are confirmed as the best control tool against the olive fruit fly.