Oviposition Deterrent Activity of Fungicides and Low-Risk Substances for the Integrated Management of the Olive Fruit Fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera, Tephritidae)

The olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae is a very common pest infesting olive orchards wherever they are cultivated, representing the greatest threat to olive production and oil quality. Although broad-spectrum insecticides are often used to protect olive crops against B. oleae, there is increasing concern about their effects on the environment and human health. An important tool in integrated olive fly management could be the use of products with a repellency and oviposition deterrence effect. This research yielded experimental evidence of significant oviposition deterrent activity on the olive fly as side effects of substances used in olive growing such as fungicides or plant biostimulants, highlighting the potential use of these products in B. oleae management.