Repellent/deterrent effect of kaolin and copper on Bactrocera oleae ovipositionin the laboratory

Abstract: Laboratory experiments were carried out to gain knowledge on the mode of action ofkaolin (Surround® WP) and copper (Q Bordelés) as control measures for Bactrocera oleae. Thesetwo products are gaining relevance in the control of the olive fruit fly because of their goodenvironmental/toxicological properties. Choice and no-choice assays revealed that kaolin had arepellent/deterrent effect, shown by a reduction in both the number of attacked olives and thenumber of oviposition stings per olive, which agrees with the reported mode of action for thisproduct. On the other hand, copper did not have the expected effect as it showed only a slightrepellent/deterrent oviposition activity.