Abstract:
The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a highly destructive pest of sweet cherries. The aim of this thesis was to develop a new control strategy using entomopathogenic fungi. The effects of six fungus isolates on the mortality of R. cerasi were assessed in a series of laboratory experiments. In a second step, different field application strategies were considered. By soil treatments, the oviposition rate was reduced by up to 90%. A control of R. cerasi with soil treatments should thus be possible. A further development of this control strategy seems worthwhile. Foliar application of mycoinsecticides at seven day intervals significantly reduced the number of infested fruit by 60 to 70% which was proven in 5 field experiments in different orchards in two years. In conclusion, the foliar application of Beauveria bassiana is a suitable and economically feasible strategy for controlling R. cerasi