pests

Nov. 12, 2024

Olive Leaf Moth Threatens Brazilian Crops: Researchers Seek Solutions

Brazilian researchers have discovered a dual solution to combat the olive leaf moth: a new eco-friendly insecticide and the strategic use of local wasp species as natural predators.

Oct. 31, 2024

Study Suggests Stink Bug Caused Mysterious Fruit Drop in Italy

The brown marmorated stink bug has been identified in Italian and Greek olive groves. Increasing evidence now links its presence to an early fruit drop in northern Italy.

Oct. 13, 2024

Low-Cost Olive Pest Control Solution in Development

Researchers in Spain are developing an artificial intelligence tool to help farmers sustainably and affordably monitor for pests and take action against infestations.

Oct. 1, 2024

Rising Prices Accompany Off-Year Harvest in Australia

Labor shortages, climate hiccups, insects and even parrots have impacted smaller growers across Australia. Meanwhile, prices for imported oils rise to unprecedented levels.

Sep. 16, 2024

Invasive Sheep Devastate Olive Groves in Eastern Spain

Over the past 50 years, invasive species like the Barbary sheep have rapidly increased in both population and range, leading to more frequent interactions with agriculture.

Jul. 29, 2024

Olive Trees on Corfu Face Threat from Wood-Eating Insects, Experts Rule Out Xylella

A lab in Athens ruled out Xylella fastidiosa as the cause of the dieback in central and northern Corfu groves.

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.

Jan. 5, 2024

Experts Offer Pest-Control Tips for California's Hobby Growers

Hobbyists use organic practices to combat weeds and treat and prevent olive knot, yellow leaves, the olive fruit fly, peacock spot and Verticillium wilt.

Dec. 4, 2023

How the Iberian Ant Can Help Control Pests in Olive Groves

Researchers found that Iberian ants naturally prey on olive moth larvae in olive groves without disrupting the rest of the ecosystem.

Nov. 21, 2023

The Agronomic and Macroeconomic Forces Behind Olive Oil Prices in Italy

Despite an anticipated production rebound in Italy, prices will likely remain high. Farmers will need to adapt to a new reality.

Oct. 23, 2023

The Olive Fruit Fly: A Persistent Pest in a Changing Climate

The olive fruit fly constantly threatens crop yields, olive oil quality and farmers' livelihoods.

Oct. 12, 2023

Researchers Identify Three Olive Varieties Resistant to Pervasive Fungus

Three cross breeds of Frantoio, Koroneiki and Arbosana olives resisted Verticillium dahlia in a controlled environment.

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.

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May. 4, 2022

Andalusia Sees Low Incidence of Olive Moth Infestation

The Andalusian regional government has reported olive moth infestation levels of approximately half those recorded in the same period of last year.

May. 4, 2022

Europe Inaugurates Climate Dashboard for Olive, Grape and Wheat Farmers

The new dashboard will provide short-term weather and long-term climate data to help farmers plant new groves, anticipate future challenges and prepare better for pests and diseases.

May. 4, 2022

Researchers Reintroduce Bats to Andalusian Olive Groves to Combat Pests

Following research in Spain and Portugal, the LIFE Olivares Vivos project aims to reintroduce bats to olive groves, bringing more efficient pest control and soil fertilization.

Apr. 28, 2022

Authorities in Italy Envision a Post-Xylella Puglia

Italian authorities have earmarked €50 million to help private businesses plant new crops in destroyed olive groves and improve overall biodiversity in the region.

Apr. 6, 2022

Improving Olive Grove Biodiversity Helps Fight Xylella Fastidiosa and Climate Change

Scientists and farmers at the latest LIFE Resilience project workshop in Portugal discussed how nature and technology will shape the future of European olive growing.

Feb. 28, 2022

Researchers Find Another Disease Afflicting Olive Groves in Puglia

New research on olive trees in Salento revealed the spreading of a known fungus, whose drying action is much faster than Xylella bacteria.

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.

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