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BACKGROUND: UV‐B radiation represents a significant challenge for the widespread use of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. This study focused on research of the asynchronous response between virulence and conidial viability against Ceratitis capitata adults using specific statistical models. Moreover, it was also investigated whether the observed differences in susceptibility to UV‐B radiation in in vitro assays among three selected isolates of Beauveria bassiana were reflected in the above‐mentioned asynchrony. RESULTS: While the irradiation of the three isolates of B. bassiana was associated with a significant loss of conidial viability, their virulence was not significantly affected compared to nonirradiated treatments when exposed to 1200 mW m−2 for 6 h before or after the inoculation of C. capitata. In fact, the irradiation time needed to reduce the mortality to 50% compared to the controls was 34.69 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 16.36 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 24.59 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil. Meanwhile, the irradiation time necessary to reduce conidial viability to 50% was 9.89 h for EABb 10/225‐Fil, 8.74 h for EABb 09/20‐Fil, and 4.71 h for EABb 09/28‐Fil. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of modeling the response of entomopathogenic fungi virulence and conidial susceptibility when exposed to UV‐B radiation for the selection of environmentally competent isolates, regardless of the results obtained in previous in vitro assays on conidial germination. This strategic approach is critical in overcoming the challenges posed by UV‐B radiation and holds the key to realizing the full potential of entomopathogenic fungi in pest management. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to compare some commercial traps baited with ammonium carbonate for their efficacy in monitoring Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) and their selectivity toward beneficial insects, under the conditions of olive groves located in five Mediterranean countries (Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Spain, Tunisia). The selectivity of the devices was evaluated toward several groups of non-target insects, namely lacewings (Chrysopidae), hoverflies (Syrphidae), ladybirds (Coccinellidae), bees (Apoidea) and hymenopteran parasitoids. The following devices were compared: yellow sticky panel, green sticky panel, Jackson trap with different combinations of yellow and white colours of the device and/or the panel, and McPhail trap. In most cases, the McPhail trap and the yellow panel showed the highest efficacy in monitoring male and female B. oleae flies; however, the yellow panel was most attractive for some groups of non-target insects, particularly the hymenopteran parasitoids, whereas the comparative non-target effects were sitespecific for the other arthropod groups. In the case of Chrysopidae, McPhail caught more individuals than the other traps in Italy and Spain, whereas in Lebanon and Greece, the highest number of individuals was captured in the two sticky panels. Coccinellidae were found in very low numbers only in Lebanon on yellow panels. Syrphidae were captured mainly on sticky panels in Greece and Tunisia. Apoidea were found only on yellow panels in Lebanon. The choice between the McPhail trap and the yellow panel should be made on the basis of various evaluations carried out at the site, including operational ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]