Effect of surround WP (a Kaolin-based particle film) on Ceratitis capitata infestation, quality and postharvest behavior of cactus pear fruit cv Gialla

ABSTRACT A Kaolin-particle film (Surround WP) was applied at 3% to cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica cv Gialla) to assess its capacity to Control medfly (Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann) infestation and to evaluate its effects on the quality and postharvest behavior of treated fruit. In the first trial, Kaolin was applied at the end of July when fruit were green and about two weeks later, at color breakage. Its efficacy was compared with a standard organophosphate insecticide (Phosmet). The experiment was conducted in two locations in 2014 and 2015. Kaolin application was very effective in preventing medfly attacks until natural fruit drop in November. Kaolin treated fruit were harvested at th…