Copper nanoparticles interfere with insecticide sensitivity, fecundity and endosymbiont abundance in olive fruit fly Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Background: The potential of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) to be used as an alternative control strategy against olive fruit flies (Bactrocera oleae) with reduced sensitivity to the pyrethroid deltamethrin and the impact of both nanosized and bulk copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)) on the insect's reproductive and endosymbiotic parameters were investigated.

Results: The application of nanosized and bulk copper applied by feeding resulted in significant levels of adult mortality, comparable to or surpassing those achieved with deltamethrin at recommended doses. Combinations of Cu-NPs or copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) with deltamethrin significantly enhanced the insecticide's efficacy against B.