Biological control of the Mediterranean fruit fly in Israel: Introduction and establishment of natural enemies

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) is a key pest of citrus and many other fruits in Israel. Four braconid species that parasitize medfly were imported into Israel and released between 2002 and 2004: the egg–pupal parasitoids Fopius arisanus and F. ceratitivorus; and the larval–prepupal parasitoids Psyttalia concolor (complex) and Diachasmimorpha krausii. All were initially cultured on medfly, and as soon as stable colonies were established, with a substantial ratio of females to males, the parasitoids were released in the field. To increase the chances for establishment, sites bearing high and stable medfly populations (e.g. back yards and orchards with a variety of fruit species) were chosen for periodical parasitoid releases. Recovery and establishment at various sites in the country were monitored by fruit sampling. All four species were recovered, and at least two, F. ceratitivorus and D. krausii, have shown signs of long-term establishment.