ISSUES CONCERNING THE ERADICATION OR ESTABLISHMENT AND BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF THE MEDITERRANEAN FRUIT-FLY, CERATITIS-CAPITATA (WIEDEMANN) (DIPTERA, TEPHRITIDAE), IN CALIFORNIA

Classical biological control is suggested as a tool worth developing n ow for possible future use in the integrated pest management of the Me diterranean fruit fly (Medfly), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in Cal ifornia. Three factors that impact broadly on developing and implement ing such a biological control program are: (1) the question of Medfly establishment, (2) quarantine considerations, and (3) agricultural and urban concerns. Each of these factors and their combined effects must be considered when discussing biological control of Medfly in Califor nia as shaped by historical perspectives on Medfly invasions, methods of Medfly eradication, and past biological control efforts against Med fly. We believe that biological control research should play a foundat ional role in any future Medfly management programs in California. Dev elopment of biological control should involve life history studies of Medfly and its natural enemies in their area of endemicity in sub-Saha ran, southeast Africa. Medfly has been studied and should continue to be studied in areas it has invaded, because information derived from s uch studies provides insights into the potential distribution, abundan ce, and impact of Medfly populations in California. A plan for a biolo gical research program on Medfly and its relatives and a biological co ntrol strategy are presented. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.