The Olive Lace Bug has impacted Western Australia and is threatening to spread further into the country.
Two major Western Australian olive farmers have been forced to cull close to 7,000 adult olive trees that have been infested by the deadly Olive Lace Bug (Froggattia Olivinia) in an outbreak that has been officially declared endemic to the area.
The Olive Lace Bug (member of the Hemiptera family of sap sucking bugs) is native to Eastern Australia and its spread is particularly concerning for olive growers located in the West of Australia and New South Wales as it can dramatically impact an olive tree’s current and future yield, with the damage lasting for up to two years in some instances.
Treating the problem can prove challenging to farmers as the Olive Lace Bug lives, eats and breeds underneath the leaf, which making it difficult to detect unless each tree is closely monitored.
The population of the Olive Lace Bug will multiply rapidly if left untreated, making a multi-stage treatment protocol necessary to ensure the bugs have been completely eradicated.
There is no specific prescribed treatment for eliminating the pest from infected groves and experts recommend using insecticidal soap sprays such as pyrethrum. This treatment option is not favored by farmers as it runs the risk of damaging nearby bees and beneficial insects as well as compromising the integrity of the soil.
The harm to beneficial insects can lead to a population increase of other pests that were previously kept in check. There have also been reported instances of the Olive Lace Bug developing immunity to commonly used chemical treatments.
The bug has not found its way outside of Australia’s borders, but there is limited research available on an international level on controlling its population. Farmers are concerned that the bug could spread even further as it has been known to attach itself to machinery and even seasonal workers traveling from farm to farm, making its rapid spread a concern among stakeholders.
Only time will tell of the measures put in place to eliminate the infestation were successful. Experts in pest control say farmers will need to wait until the following year when new seasonal growth commences, to see if the tell-tale yellow, mottled leaves are present.
The Australian olive oil industry has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, with annual production increasing by an average of almost fifty percent between 2010 and 2015, yet the country remains a relatively small player in the international market, accounting for less than 0.5 percent of the world’s total olive oil production.
More articles on: Australia, olive farming, pesticides
Dec. 13, 2023
An Olive Harvest Under Bombardment in Southern Lebanon
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has drawn in Hezbollah militants from Lebanon, threatening olive farmers and their livelihoods.
Oct. 24, 2023
Olive Grove Bacteria May Hold Key to Combating Xylella
Certain microorganisms provide biological advantages like a secondary immune system, researchers found.
Mar. 10, 2024
After Two Bad Harvests, Producers in New Zealand Anticipate a Rebound
Less rainfall in New Zealand has sparked hope for the country's growers, but the drier weather has come with another set of problems.
Oct. 16, 2023
Olive Oil Production in Portugal Set to Rebound
Officials estimate Portugal will produce 140,000 to 150,000 tons of olive oil in the current crop year. Drought and labor shortages presented significant challenges.
Mar. 21, 2024
Olive Oil Producers in Portugal Celebrate Country’s Second-Highest Yield
From the traditional groves in the north to the super-high-density plantations of the south, producers across Portugal overcame winter rain to achieve a bountiful harvest.
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.
Apr. 12, 2024
Olive Growing Starting to Take Root in Central Europe
As climate change makes Central European winters milder and drier, farmers in Austria and northeastern Croatia are beginning to plant olives.
Feb. 19, 2024
Fourth Generation of Sicilian Farmers Celebrate Local Cultivars
In southeastern Sicily, the producers behind Vernèra share a sense of social responsibility and environmental sustainability.