Influence of the surrounding landscape on olive fruit fly populations

Abstract

This work reports on the relationship between landscape composition and configuration of land uses and the population density of the olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, a worldwide key pest of olive trees. The relationship was tested at different distances from the olive fruit fly sampling points, in circular areas with radii ranging from 500 to 2000 m. A significant relationship was found at short distances for the following indices: total number of patches, mean patch size, total length of patch edges, edge density and mean patch edge length. These results indicate that landscape features can affect populations of this phytophagous insect. However, more detailed understanding of the processes underlying this phenomenon is needed to implement measures to manage this important species.