Warm and wet conditions across many regions have moved pest and disease management to the top of the grove management task list, with both Olive Lace Bug and Anthracnose posing serious risks to tree health and 2025 yields.
Olive Lace Bug:
Monitoring is key to identify the emergence of nymphs on the underside of leaves. Strategic spraying of affected areas at this vulnerable stage is highly effective. Open up tree canopies via pruning to increase spraying efficiency and expose nymphs to dehydration during hot, dry weather. Stressed trees are more susceptible to lace bug attack, so improve tree health and ensure adequate irrigation. More information: IPDM tutorial on Olive Lace Bug.
Anthracnose:
Removal of any fruit remaining post-harvest is crucial, as they will carry the fungal inoculum into the next season. Do that NOW. Early season infections occur through flowers, with spores are spread by rain splash and wind, so spray programs need to commence in winter. Apply a registered/permitted systemic fungicide during flower development, particularly in warm, wet weather conditions. More information: IPDM tutorial on Anthracnose.
*Note: before using any product, check the AOA chemical permits page or the APVMA website to ensure it is approved for use on olives.
There’s more detail in the industry IPDM resources on the OliveBiz website here.
