Warning: Heat and humidity increase the risk of olive fruit fly infestation
CORFU. Corfu’s Rural Economy Directorate issues advice to local olive growers.
Announcement from Corfu Rural Economy Directorate (Olive Fruit Fly Control Programme)
Following on-site inspections carried out by the service, and taking into account the prevailing climatic conditions on the island, the following findings have been made:
A. In coastal and semi-mountainous areas where olive trees had not shown symptoms of drought or lack of rainfall, a high level of olive fruit fly infestation has been observed.
B. In lowland areas, as well as in the remaining semi-mountainous and mountainous regions where olive trees had shown symptoms of drought, the olive fruit fly has begun laying eggs. However, the level of infestation is still relatively low.
C. The recent climatic conditions on the island—namely:
a) high relative humidity,
b) rainfall,
c) temperature
are highly favourable for the development of the olive fruit fly. This has already led to a sharp increase in the fly population, which is expected to result in a further rise in infestation levels.
Olive growers, depending on the location of their groves, should consider carrying out either cover sprays or bait sprays using their own means, after consulting with an agronomist.
Producers are reminded to pay particular attention both to the product they select and use for spraying, and to compliance with the required pre-harvest interval (the time between spraying and olive harvest). The use of non-approved products on olives, or failure to observe the pre-harvest interval (PHI), results in residues of plant protection substances and pesticides remaining in the fruit and therefore in the olive oil produced. Detection of such residues during laboratory checks will result in penalties for the producer.
Please note:
a) For the selection and use of a product, the instructions on its label must be strictly followed, without any deviation.
b) Copper-based products have a beneficial effect on olive production (preventive control of diseases such as olive leaf spot and anthracnose, control of olive knot, and egg-repelling properties).
For any further information or clarification, interested olive growers may contact Corfu Directorate of Rural Economy at 26613 64711.
