Background The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the major insect pest of fruit production worldwide. Chemical control of this pest has induced the selection of resistant medflies populations and negative environmental impact. In addition, the use of pesticides has become an obstacle to the fresh agricultural products exported to many countries that restrict pesticides residues. The aim of this study was to propose alternatives based on the use of microbiological products for the control of C. capitata. Main body The pathogenicity of the Turkish isolate Beauveria bassiana BMAUM M6-4 was evaluated against immature stages and adult of C. capitata under laboratory conditions at a concentration of 107 conidia/ml via different routes of exposure. Conidial treatment was applied by spraying soil and filter paper against 3rd instar larvae and pupae. In contrast, the treatment was administered to adult males and females by contact and ingestion. The percentage of mortality was recorded on the 3rd, 7th, 12th and 15th day after inoculation. Obtained results showed that B. bassiana was very effective against the adult’s fly, where males were more susceptible than females in both treatments (contact and ingestion). This isolate was tested against 3rd instar larvae. It achieved an infection rate of 33.33 and 43.5% of the larvae treated on filter paper and in the soil, respectively. Application of conidial preparations to soil reduced insect emergence and CAN represent a promising strategy for fruit fly integrated management (57.33 and 56.66% emergence from the treatments in soil and filter paper). Conclusion Entomopathogenic fungi are promising as a biocontrol agent that can be used under different modes of ground application against larvae, prepupae and pupae, and/or as a bait spraying or contact against adults.

Monthly fluctuations of thrip populations on Ficus retusa were monitored and parasites and predators in Boudouaou, Algeria, were identified. Twenty leaves were collected fortnightly from 30 trees from January to December 2015. The number of eggs increased significantly in August with 11,163 eggs and was slightly higher in October with 11,471 eggs. Presence was rare in spring and winter. The 1st and 2nd larval stages (L1 and L2) overlapped: L1 were present from August to October with 27 and 51individuals respectively, and L2 were present from August to December with 65 to 186 individuals respectively. Prepupae were active in April and June, reaching 46 and 50 individuals respectively, before increasing to 266 in November. Highest numbers of pupae were observed in June (171) and July (135). The number of adults gradually increased, reaching a maximum of 642 in early December. Two predators were identified: Montandoniola confusa (Hemiptera, Anthocoridae) and Nephus peyerimhoffi (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae). A parasite, Tetrastichus gentilei (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), was also later identified.

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