The efficacy of a kaolin‐based particle film formulation M‐99‐099 to control olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae Gmelin, field infestations was investigated in north‐western Syria. The results showed that fruit infestation levels were significantly reduced on kaolin‐treated trees compared with untreated trees. Kaolin particle film successfully suppressed B. oleae populations and provided season‐long insect control (>14 weeks) whereas the insecticide dimethoate failed to protect olives for as long a period after the last spray. Consistent with previous findings, the M‐99‐099 kaolin particle film proved to be a promising alternative method to synthetic insecticides and could be used to control B. oleae in olive groves.

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Newly emerged adult males (0-1 8h) potato tuber moth Phthorirnaea opevculeh were irradiated with various doses (5, 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 Krad) of gamma irradiation. Mating ability and frequency of mating of the males were decreased when they were irradiated with 25 Krad and above, whereas their longevity was not affected by the irradiation. The mean number of eggs per female was decreased at 35 and 45 Krad, and 91 % sterility was induced when males were irradiated with a dose of 45 Krad. The competitiveness values of P. opevculellu males were reduced when they were irradiated with high doses. However, these values were risen when high ratio of irradiated males to normal males was used.

Newly emerged adults of the European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermuller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), were irradiated with various doses of gamma radiation and crossed to unirradiated counterparts of the opposite sex. Fecundity was decreased when unirradiated females were mated with either 300-or 350-Gy-irradiated males. Adult males that were irradiated with 400 Gy and mated with unirradiated females retained a residual fertility of 2.7%. The radiation dose at which irradiated females were found to be 100% sterile when mated with unirradiated males was 150 Gy. The inherited effects in the F1 progeny of irradiated male parents were examined at 100, 150, and 200 Gy. Fecundity and fertility of the F1 progeny of males irradiated with 150 Gy and inbred or crossed with irradiated and unirradiated moths were also recorded. A significant reduction in fertility was observed when F1 males mated with either F1 or unirradiated females. According to sterility index, F1 females who mated with F1 males had greater sterility than when F1 females were crossed to 150-Gy-irradiated males. Based upon the results of this study, 150 Gy of gamma radiation would be the optimal dose to use in a sterile insect technique and F1 sterility program against L . botrana .

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