The Use of Kaolin to control Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Dip:Tephritidae) in pomegranate orchards

The Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)is a quarantine pest which was reported in Fars province, Iran in 2007. During the years 2010-2011 in a pomegranate orchard in Shiraz, kaolin effect was evaluated in five treatments consisted of kaolin (Spydan® WP 95%), spraying with concentrations of 3% and 5% and at every 2 and 4 weeks intervals of treatment with control group in three replications to reduce damage caused by C. capitata. There was no significant difference between the various concentrations of kaolin but fewer fruits were infected during period of kaolin sprayed every two weeks. Investigation of the effect of kaolin on the host plant showed that kaolin5% had no effect on the total amount of leaf chlorophyl and temperature of the central part of pomegranate trees but average of fruit diameter coated with kaolin5% was larger than other fruits. Thus, according to the results, pomegranate trees sprayed with kaolin, at every 2 weeks, can be used successfully to control the Mediterranean fruit fly’s damage. Also kaolin5% had positive effect on size of pomegranate fruits.