Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Western Sicily: presence, damagesand control in organic cherry orchards

Abstract: The research was carried out from 2006 to 2010 in 12 cherry orchards in WesternSicily, were Rhagoletis cerasi (L.), the cherry fly, represents a problem for medium late ripeningcultivars. Presence and infestation of the dipteran were monitored on local cultivars andeffectiveness of some products allowed in organic farming was tested compared with net bags.The presence of the cherry fly was recorded in all cherry orchards except in two recently plantedand isolated. The infestation on fruits was not very high until the end of May. Pyrethrum andspinosad did not lower the infestation, on the contrary nets reduced it.