Biological control of Bactocera oleae (Diptera : Tephritidae) using a Greek Bacillus thuringiensis isolate

Bacillus thuringiensis, isolate 114A, was used in toxicity experiments agai nst the wild population of the olive pest Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin). In lab oratory experiments, spores and crystals of the B.t. were delivered to the insects with the food. Longevity, oviposition period, number of eggs produc ed, and percent hatch were recorded. Olive fruits from the oviposition test were dipped into a suspension containing spores and crystals of B. thuring iensis 114A. after the eggs were deposited. In field experiments, four to s ix sprayings per year of B.t. 114A isolate were applied for three successiv e years. It was found that, in addition to the longevity of B, oleae, the o viposition period, number of eggs and percent egg hatch decreased. Also, th e percentage of pupation and emergence was reduced when olive fruits with e ggs in their mesocarp were dipped in the solution of spores and crystals. F ield applications with the toxins of 114A. isolate of B. thuringiensis have resulted in significant protection of the olive production.