Olive fly: a threat to crops

The olive flyBactrocera oleae, represents one of the main threats to olive production in the Mediterranean. This insect can cause serious losses in both quantity and quality, negatively affecting oil and table olive production. The management of this pest requires an integrated approach that takes into account the different development stages of the insect, with a focus on phytosanitary efficacy and environmental sustainability.

Integrated and Biological Fly Management

Olive fly control can be approached in two main ways: lorganic and integrated agriculture. Both approaches aim to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, preferring preventive methods with less impact on the environment.

Organic farming

In organic farming, olive fly management is based on preventive techniques aimed at the adult phase of the insect. Several products and techniques with a low environmental impact have been identified, including the use of copper, kaolin and entomopathogenic fungi such as the Beauveria bassiana deserves special mention.. These methods aim to reduce egg-laying and larval infestation by acting in a repellent and deterrent manner towards female flies.

Integrated Agriculture

In integrated agriculture, the control strategy may include the use of specific insecticides such as Phosmet and Acetamiprid, which act at different stages of insect development. However, even in this context, the preventive approach plays a central role. The use of attractive traps and the application of products containing microbial antagonists such as the Beauveria bassiana deserves special mention.are examples of integrated techniques that combine effectiveness and sustainability.

Monitoring Techniques

Monitoring is fundamental for effective olive fly control. This process makes it possible to identify the most appropriate time to intervene, avoiding unnecessary treatments and reducing environmental impact. There are two main monitoring techniques:

1. Flight Monitoring: Chromotropic and pheromone traps are used to monitor the presence of adults. Monitoring takes place in two main periods: from spring (late March) to early summer (late July).
2. Infestation Monitoring: It consists of taking olive samples to assess the level of infestation by larvae. This monitoring extends from summer to autumn and allows the effectiveness of treatments and the need for further intervention to be detected.

In the case of significant infestation, curative techniques can be adopted, although these are limited in organic farming. In integrated agriculture, the use of specific insecticides is permitted, but always in a controlled manner and with attention to sustainability.

Preventive and Curative Methods

The withdrawal of some insecticides traditionally used to control the olive fly, such as dimethoate, has prompted the adoption of preventive techniques, focusing on the adult stages of the insect. Preventive methods include the use of repellents and traps, which aim to reduce the adult population before it can lay eggs.

Our alternatives for fly control 

We at Ms Biotech have developed several products that can also be of great help in controlling the olive fly.

Among these products are Zeolytis a micronised aluminium-silicate sedimentary rock powder. When atomised, it creates a patina that adheres persistently to leaves and fruit, and its crystalline needle-like and lamellar morphology, creates a barrier that disturbs insectsin particular the olive fly, hindering its oviposition.

Soy-Film is a natural aqueous emulsion of 100% vegetable origin with distinct invigorating activityIt enhances plant resistance to abiotic stresses by activating specific physiological mechanisms within the plant to adapt to and overcome states of stress.

Veratech Cucopper salts have ainhibiting action on egg maturationas well as producing some mortality in the younger larval stages. Copper also seems to have a repellent effect such that the fly does not ovidepore on treated olives.

Protendocontains viable spores of the fungus Beauveria Bassiana, effectively helps the plant to cope with and overcome stress caused by phytophagous insects.
There are essentially two modes of action of the fungus:

1. BY CONTACT: The conidiospores of the Beauveria fungus on contact with the insect penetrate the cuticle, developing and feeding on the haemolymph. The insect dies of dehydration within 12-24 hours.
2. DETERRENT ACTIVITY: Fewer depositions are observed on treated fruits than on untreated ones. Tephritid dipteran females perceive the surface of treated drupes as unsuitable for ovideposition.

Olive fly management requires an integrated approach combining preventive and curative techniques, constant monitoring and the use of environmentally friendly products. Sustainability is at the core of our proposed strategies, with the aim of protecting olive production while ensuring environmental safety and human health. The evolution of available techniques and products, combined with continuous training of farmers, is the key to effective and sustainable olive fly control.

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