The feasibility of using entomopathogenic nematodes for Mediterranean fruit fly control

Abstract

Mediterranean fly Ceratitis capitata, Medfly is an important pest of fruits such as citrus, peaches and apricots. The use of entomopathogenic nematodes for medfly control is not new, however it has been limited. We have systematically over the last years explored this medfly biocontrol solution by a combination of laboratoty experiments and field trials. The latter are very limited and need to be expanded to further evaluate the nematode efficacy. The species Steinernema feltiae that is widely commercially available can be used in application scheme where a single, relatively low dose of nematodes in autumn, (off season) or spring (early season) is sufficient, targeting overwintering medfly larvae and therefore reducing substancially the number of adult medflies emerging later in the growing season. Here we 1) present results of small and larger scale field trials in citrus groves in Greece 2) we discuss the feasibility of the method and 3) examine factors that can improve its efficacy