The study showed three generations of the olive fruit fly from June to November 1984. Eggs were first detected in the Shami variety in early June. There were three peaks of eggs found in almost all varieties in late June, late August and late October. Highest number of larvae was found in Santa in July, and Ascolano and Kheli in August. There were no significant differences in the number of larvae per 100 infested fruits between all varieties during the first generation except Nabali. Pupae inside the fruits first appeared in Shami in July. The number of pupae inside the fruits was high in all varieties in August. Holes made by larvae falling to the soil for pupation were recorded in early August in all varieties, except Nabali where they appeared in late August and early September. During the second generation the highest number of larvae was found in Ascolano, Santa and Rase'e varieties. The recorded parasites were Opius concolor, Eupolmus urozonus, Tetrastichus sp., Trichostereresis glabra, and Lasioglassum sp. The most abundant parasites were O. concolor and Tetrastichus sp.

Dacus oleae (Gmelin) is a major pest of the olive tree Olea europea causing early fruit drop, ‘sting’ damage to table olives and substantial decreases in the quantity and quality of oil. This review describes the control strategies being developed and in current use—biological, trapping methods, sterile insect release, chemical insecticides, growth regulators and integrated control. Present problems and the implications of the controlling regimes on the disturbance of the agroecosystem are presented. Emphasis is given to newer methods which should be characterized by their specificity and effectivity.