Jan. 5, 2024
Hobbyists use organic practices to combat weeds and treat and prevent olive knot, yellow leaves, the olive fruit fly, peacock spot and Verticillium wilt.
Jan. 3, 2024
Researchers Develop Algorithm to Predict Harvest Potential from Climate Data
The publicly available algorithm was developed using 15 years of data from Italy to compare how combinations of climatic events impacted subsequent harvests.
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. 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 Production
Organic Growers Rely on Traditional and New Natural Methods to Combat Fly
Jul. 31, 2023 Production
Olive Oil Producers in Greece Brace for Steep Production Decline
Jul. 19, 2023 Production
Researchers in California Test New Solutions for Olive Fruit Fly
Jul. 6, 2023 Production
Jul. 6, 2023 News Briefs
Uptick in Olive Fruit Fly Infestations Reported in Andalusia
Dec. 5, 2022
In Slovenia, a Fruitful Harvest Despite Drought, Pests
The last few seasons in Slovenia have been characterized by high summer temperatures and a lack of precipitation. Salvation came with heavy September rains.
Dec. 5, 2022
Olive Fruit Fly Could Undermine Greek Olive Oil Production
The fruit fly threatens expectations of a bumper crop. Experts suggest a change in established practices of fighting the pest.
Sep. 29, 2022
Promising Signs of a Robust Harvest in Greece
Contrary to other main European producers, Greece expects a substantial increase in its harvest yield. However, significant challenges could hamper the final tally.
Aug. 26, 2022
Croatian Olive Grower Innovates to Overcome Drought, Pests
From irrigating at night to covering developed fruit in kaolin clay, one Croatian producer is adapting to the country’s increasingly hot and dry summers.
Aug. 1, 2022
Xylella Fastidiosa Containment Protocol Proves Effective in Puglia
Groves following the treatment protocol to prevent the spread of the disease are healthy and produce award-winning olive oil.
Jul. 25, 2022
Europe Reconsiders Pesticide Ban as Global Food Crisis Looms
The Commission had proposed an ambitious plan to cut pesticide use in half by 2020. Nearly half of E.U. member states oppose the move.
Jul. 25, 2022
Unraveling the Mystery Behind Slovenia's Dramatic Fruit Drop
This time, the usual suspects were not responsible for the drying and falling of fruits.
Oct. 17, 2017
Spain Tests Artificial Intelligence to Manage Fly
A predictive model using artificial intelligence has been developed to help farmers with pest management and ultimately improve production and reduce pesticide use.
Jan. 3, 2017
Oxitec's Australian Medfly Trials Proceed
Despite delays, British Biotech Company Oxitec is still confident that their genetically modified strain of olive flies will reach further trial stages, but there's a long way to go before growers can access these insects to their advantage.
Dec. 2, 2016
Difficult Harvest in Italy Leads to Higher Prices
Italian olive oil production in 2016 will probably be half of last year's, yet producers acted in time to maintain high-quality as global prices trend upward.
Aug. 31, 2016
As Promising Harvest Nears in Italy, Favorable Conditions for the Olive Fruit Fly Too
A patchy attack in various parts of the country, due to frequent rains and warm temperatures, have made the last period of the growing season a challenge for olive farmers against one of their most feared pests.
May. 2, 2016
Concerns About Dimethoate Ban Among French Olive Growers
Following a ban on the use of the insecticide dimethoate in France, French olive growers are concerned about the risk of damage to olive trees by the olive fruit fly, and increasing production costs.
Feb. 1, 2016
Study on Fruit Fly Control Wins Research Award
A winning paper proposes on an efficient, economically viable, and environmentally friendly solution to an old problem.
Dec. 15, 2014
After the Olive Fruit Fly and Bacterial Blight, the Dreaded Starling
There is little relief in this "Black Year" for Italian olive oil with challenges seeming to come from every direction.
Nov. 3, 2014
This part of central Italy is famous for its quality oil grown on stony hillsides, but this year the olive fly has caused havoc in Umbria.