Effect of Rare, Locally Isolated Entomopathogenic Fungi on the Survival of Bactrocera oleae Pupae in Laboratory Soil Conditions
Researchers tested seventeen types of fungi as natural pest control for the olive fruit fly, a major pest that damages olive crops in Greece. They found that several fungal species, especially Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus contaminans, were highly effective at killing fly pupae in soil conditions. These fungi could offer farmers an eco-friendly alternative to toxic chemical pesticides, helping improve olive oil quality while protecting beneficial insects.