pests

Jul. 15, 2024

Xylella Fastidiosa Identified in Extremadura

Extremadura joins the Balearic Islands and the Community of Valencia as the Spanish regions with active Xylella infestations.

May. 23, 2024

Olives with Higher Phenol Content More Resistant to Anthracnose

Researchers found that olive varieties that maintained high concentrations of certain phenolic compounds during ripening were less likely to develop anthracnose.

Apr. 28, 2024

Heat, Fruit Fly Hamper Harvests in Peru and Northern Chile

Unseasonably warm weather has created the conditions for the Mediterranean fruit fly to proliferate. Smuggling may have furthered its spread in Chile.

Apr. 1, 2024

Olive Lace Bug Adds to Harvest Woes for Australian Farmers

Wet summers and mild winters have allowed the Australian lace bug to spread from its usual host plants to olive trees across the island.

Feb. 15, 2024

California’s Wet Winter Leaves Groves Susceptible to Disease, Waterlogging

With El Niño increasingly predicted to last through June, experts advise on how to keep olive tree roots dry to avoid damage from Phytophthora and waterlogging.

Jan. 18, 2024

Controlling Black Scale in California Groves

While the invasive insect does not impact oil quality, heavy infestations can reduce olive yields. The pest is expected to spread as California’s winters become milder.

Oct. 3, 2023

Optimism in Italy as Olive Harvest Gets Underway

While producers in southern Italy expect bumper crops, the fortunes of farmers in central and northern Italy are less certain.

Oct. 3, 2023

California Olive Farmers Turn to Birds for Natural Pest Control

Olive farmers are boosting bird populations and biodiversity by creating and preserving bird-friendly habitats to help control pests.

Sep. 14, 2023

Organic Growers Rely on Traditional and New Natural Methods to Combat Fly

Sardines, horse urine and yeast are just a few of the ingredients used by organic olive farmers across the Mediterranean to protect their crops from the olive fruit fly.

Aug. 7, 2023

Growers Prepare for Harvest in Northern Frontier of U.S. Olive Oil Production

Hobby growers and professional producers are optimistic about the upcoming harvest in Oregon.

Jul. 19, 2023

Researchers in California Test New Solutions for Olive Fruit Fly

Researchers at the University of California are testing a range of insecticide products for efficacy in controlling olive fruit flies.

Jul. 6, 2023

Uptick in Olive Fruit Fly Infestations Reported in Andalusia

As olive groves enter their most vulnerable stage of development, authorities said the number of captured flies and observed damage was significantly higher than in previous years.

Feb. 8, 2023

Mysterious African Insects Are Infesting Portuguese Olive Groves

Unexplained damage to olive trees over a six-year period in Portugal has been confirmed as the effects of an obscure insect never before observed in Europe.

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Feb. 15, 2022

Introduction of Samurai Wasp Proving Effective Against Stink Bugs in Italy

Samurai wasps parasitized 38 percent of the brown marmorated stink bug eggs in one area. Some see the wasp’s introduction as key to curtailing the stink bug.

Jan. 10, 2022

Pests Plague Wild Olives on Croatian Island as Producers Remain Steadfast

The olive borer, fly and moth have damaged olive trees on the island of Pag. Producers insist they will still manage to craft award-winning oils.

Jan. 4, 2022

Researchers Identify Xylella Vectors on Balearic Islands

Two species of insects were identified as the main vectors of the deadly olive tree pathogen on the Spanish islands.

Nov. 29, 2021

Spanish Scientists Advance Understanding of Devastating Olive Disease

Researchers have released the results of a 25-year study into Colletotrichum, the fungus which causes anthracnose.

Nov. 22, 2021

Jordanian Farmers Expect Fall in Production Due to Drought, Pests

As the situation in northern Jordan’s fertile agricultural regions looks increasingly dire, three organizations are stepping in to promote traditional and sustainable farming methods.

Nov. 15, 2021

Med-Gold Project to Host Workshops for Olive Sector

The workshops will cover how to use and assess the wealth of data collected on its new dashboard regarding climate change, disease spread and pest behavior.

Aug. 4, 2021

Plant-Derived Treatment Against Asian Bug Shows Promise for Olive Growers

A blend of 11 odorant compounds produced naturally by sunflowers was found to attract female brown marmorated stink bugs. The concoction could be used in traps.

Aug. 2, 2021

Italian Producers Unlikely to Get Dimethoate Extension Ahead of Harvest

With few viable alternatives, farmers will have to find new ways to cope with the olive fruity fly this year.

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