Rhagoletis cerasi (L.) in Western Sicily: presence, damages and control in cherry orchards.

Abstract

The research was carried out from 2006 to 2010 in 12 cherry orchards in Western Sicily, were Rhagoletis cerasi (L.), the cherry fly, represents a problem for medium late ripening cultivars. Presence and infestation of the dipteran were monitored on local cultivars and effectiveness of some products allowed in organic farming was tested compared with net bags. The presence of the cherry fly was recorded in all cherry orchards except in two recently planted and isolated. The infestation on fruits was not very high until the end of May. Pyrethrum and spinosad did not lower the infestation, on the contrary nets reduced it.