Insecticidal Activity of an Indian Botanical Insecticide ULTRA ACT® against the Olive Pest Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Tunisia

Abstract

Bactrocera oleae is the most economically damaging insect of olive in the Mediterranean. As a reliable alternative to synthetic chemical insecticides, botanical pesticides from plant extracts are also considered natural control methods safe for the environment and human health. In practical applications up to date, studies demonstrating toxically effects of biological control agents on the insect have been carried out in organic farming systems based on some industrial microbial formulations. But much less attention has been given to botanical insecticides against B. oleae. Thus, a certified botanical insecticide issue from various plants and approved per Indian and International organic standards was tested against larvae and pupae of the olive pest Bactrocera oleae in the east of Tunisia under laboratory conditions. The experiments were conducted with 3 normal treatments and 1 control...