Olive

Guides

Bactrocera oleae
olive fruit fly, olive fly, δάκος της ελιάς
Bactrocera oleae is a tephritid fruit fly and the most destructive pest of olive cultivation worldwide. Larvae feed exclusively on olive fruits (Olea europaea), causing direct damage to pulp and oil quality. Annual crop losses can reach 30% without control, and exceed 90% in severe infestations. The species is monophagous on olives and has developed resistance to multiple insecticide classes, driving research into alternative management strategies including sterile insect technique and biological control.
pest agricultural monophagous olive Tephritidae Diptera invasive insecticide-resistance biological-control SIT GM-insect acoustic-communication
Euphyllura olivina
olive psyllid
Euphyllura olivina is a psyllid species in the family Liviidae that feeds exclusively on olive (Olea europaea). Native to the Mediterranean region, it has become invasive in California where it threatens olive production. The species develops two generations annually, with spring and autumn reproductive activity and summer reproductive diapause induced by high temperatures. Nymphal infestations concentrate near fruits and on shaded, lower canopy portions. Temperature sensitivity shapes its distribution and seasonal activity patterns.
pest invasive olive agricultural biological-control Mediterranean California psyllid Sternorrhyncha