Project Number: 5302-43000-034-07
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Aug 01, 2005
End Date: Jul 31, 2009

Objective:
Based on previous successful results showing the potential of Psytallia cf. concolor for biological control of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, in California, the objectives are to begin augmented releases of the parasitoid in regions in which the olive fruit fly has become a devastating pest; to determine the ability of the parasitoid to suppress pest populations in the open field, and ascertain its suitability for area-wide release; and, to determine the effects of ecological factors such as periods of low host abundance on the successful establishment of the parasitoid.

Approach:
The parasitoid, Psytallia cf. concolor, will be reared on Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), in the MOSCAMED facility in Guatemala City, Guatemala and shipped by air to Parlier, California. The parasitoids will be released in sleeve cages in a climate controlled, screened room, held for 2-3 days for mating, counted, and packaged in paper cartons for transport to release sites. Release sites have been made available by individuals and industry cooperators primarily in San Diego, Los Angeles, Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, San Clara, and Butte counties. The parasitoids will be released into olive trees with high olive fruit fly larval populations. Parasitoid releases will be made biweekly or monthly. Traps and infested fruit will be used to determine the olive fruit fly populations. Rate of parasitism will be calculated in samples of infested fruit exposed to the parasitoids in laboratory and greenhouse experiments, and in field tests using caged trees. Survival of the parasitoid by diapause and longevity in the field will be investigated during the period of fruit maturation. Documents Trust with CA Olive Committee. Formerly 5302-43000-031-12T (7/08)