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.

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The inherited sterility technique (IST) has been suggested as an alternative control method against the most destructive insect of potato, the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zeller. This study was undertaken to assess the effects of releasing females exposed to gamma irradiation on the efficiency of IST. The fecundity, fertility, mating success and frequency of matings of P. operculella females were significantly influenced by gamma irradiation. Completely sterile females were obtained when 200 Gy was applied. The efficiency of using irradiated males and females reached a 98 (biological efficiency index) when a 300 Gy dose of gamma irradiation and a ratio of 1 unirradiated ":1 unirradiated !:10 irradiated ":10 irradiated ! were used. The effectiveness of the inherited sterility technique would be increased when completely sterile P. operculella females together with partially sterile males were used.