Periodico olivo 5 Settembre 2025

Subscribe to the Aipo YouTube channel to stay updated - Periodico 36 of 05.09.2025 Phenological phase: inolition, beginning of veraison. These are two key processes in the ripening of the fruit and the quality of the oil produced. During this phase, oil accumulation increases significantly and the olives change color, going from bright green to a pale green, finally turning purple-red or black, depending on the variety. This color change is due to the degradation of chlorophyll and the accumulation of other pigments such as carotenoids and anthocyanins. The beginning of veraison marks the beginning of the fruit's full ripening. Both phases are influenced by climatic conditions, such as temperature and humidity, which can accelerate or delay these processes. Phytosanitary situation Olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae): In the monitored olive groves where adulticide/larvicide, or adulticide-only treatments were performed in recent days, captures and new egg-laying numbers are limited. Compared to previous weeks, the infestation has increased, and given that weather forecasts indicate a general decrease in temperatures, the risk of egg-laying is expected to increase. Farms that have already performed an ovo-larvicide treatment within the last two weeks should schedule another treatment using Acetamiprid (Epik SL or Kestrel - maximum 2 treatments per year) or Flupyradifurone (Sivanto Prime - maximum 1 treatment per year). Those using adulticidal poison baits, such as Spinosad (maximum 8 applications per year, suitable for organic farming) or Exirel Bait (maximum 3 applications per year), should monitor the coverage both for the duration of their effectiveness (12-15 days) and after any rainfall. Protection should be strengthened and monitored with anti-deposition products based on diatomaceous earth combined with a tackifier, such as bentonite, basalt, hydraulic lime, kaolin, talc, or zeolite. Margaronia (Palpita unionalis): further damage to the vegetative tips, as well as to olives. Controlling the olive fly limits the presence of this lepidopteran moth; if necessary, treat with neem oil plus potassium-based soft soaps or fatty acid soft soaps. Scale insects: Presence in some areas of olive mealybugs (Philippia oleae and Euphilippia olivina), with populations and honeydew production exceeding the usual annual rate. Currently, no specific control measures are required for either species, as they are hampered by predators of the nymphs and by some parasites that live and feed inside their bodies (endophages). Treatments against the olive fly or margarine fly contain their population. If necessary, apply a treatment with potassium-based soft soaps or fatty acid soft soaps, averaging 1 kg of soap per 100 liters of water. Mix the soap well with the water until a homogeneous solution is obtained. Spray the solution on the infested plants, ensuring all parts, leaves, and branches are well covered. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control. Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys): Juvenile forms are increasing, and adults are highly mobile in search of new feeding and breeding sites. Control measures against the olive fly are limiting its population. Fungal parasites Peacock spot (Spilocaea oleaginea), Olive lead blight (Mycocentrospora cladosporoides), Olive leaf spot (Colletotrichum spp.): Increased humidity increases the risk of fungal infections. Where necessary, treat with copper-based products plus sulfur. Copper-based treatments have a repellent effect on the olive fly, while sulfur is effective against the brown marmorated stink bug. Hailstorms and Strong Winds If hailstorms or strong winds occur that could cause branch damage, it is recommended to intervene within 12-24 hours of the event with copper-plus-sulfur treatments, which are effective against the spread of both olive leaf spot and fungal parasites. The Olive Fruit Fly: Anatomy of Resistance The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) continues to be the main pest of Mediterranean olive growing, despite decades of containment strategies. Until a few years ago, control relied on knockdown active ingredients such as chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, and phosmet, broad-spectrum molecules that allowed for rapid and effective interventions. The elimination of these molecules has made way for new active substances, such as neonicotinoids (e.g., acetamiprid) and butenolides (e.g., flupyradifurone, the active ingredient in Sivanto Prime). Tel. 045 8678260 @aipoverona Subscribe to the Aipo YouTube channel to stay updated -