Journal of Pest Science (2011) 84, 187-197

Maria Fátima Gonçalves and Laura Monteiro Torres (2011)
The use of the cumulative degree-days to predict olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), activity in traditional olive groves from the northeast of Portugal
Journal of Pest Science 84 (2), 187-197
Abstract: Terra Quente, situated in the province of Trás-os-Montes (northeast of Portugal), is one of the most important olive growing areas of Portugal. In this region, which is extremely hot and dry during summer, losses due to the olive fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi), are highly variable between years, with estimates ranging from 16.3 to 98.8% of infested fruits. The objective of this study was to test the use of the degree-days models, based in a daily accumulation of temperature (°DD) to predict insect activity in the field and timing control measures, in such a climatic condition. Seasonal flight activity periods and insect development were studied from 2005 to 2008 in traditional olive groves and a degree-day model was developed for predicting the development of olive fly second generation, which is the one that can cause losses. It was found that, while the use of these models could be hampered by high temperatures and low relative humidity prevailing during summer, they may have some potential as a tool for the management of B. oleae populations, allowing the identification with acceptable error of the main second generation events. Results indicated that, if adulticide sprays are to be used, the spray-window for their applications lasts between an accumulation, since January 1, of 1837.20 ± 35.82°DD_8.99, which corresponds to the beginning of the insect second flight and 2045.87 ± 34.30°DD_8.99, which corresponds to its main peak.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: English)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Maria Fátima Gonçalves

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Bactrocera oleae	Olive (Olea europaea)	Portugal (continental)