Know the wild olive pests It is especially important to be able to detect them as soon as possible and begin treatment to eliminate the insects. Since these, although they seem harmless, can even cause the death of the tree.
Let's see what pests and diseases affect this variety and what we can do if we detect that there is something that is damaging the health of our tree.
The importance of the wild olive
At the time, when trying to the characteristics of the wild olive, we already saw that it is a wild variety of the olive tree. Although it is not grown commercially for its fruits, it is It has great ecological value, and even historical and cultural.
The wild olive is an important source of biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems. Since it provides shelter and food to a large number of birds, mammals, insects, and even microorganisms.
It is popular for its resistance to diseases and pests that cause significant damage to cultivated olive trees. For this reason, work is being done on genetic improvement programs to transfer this natural resistance to cultivated olive varieties.
This tree extends its roots deeply, thereby helping to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. Something that other trees and plants in their environment benefit from. Besides, It has an important landscape and ornamental value.
And we cannot forget that it has been part of Mediterranean culture for centuries, so it is a natural heritage that is worth preserving.
Wild olive pests
Let's start with the pests that can affect the wild olive tree:
Olive fly
This fly is devastating for the cultivated olive tree and also for its wild version. Because the larvae feed on the fruit and cause damage to the crop, reducing its quality and quantity.
Even if the wild olive is not consumed, it is better to keep the tree safe from this pest.
black mealybug
This scale insect feeds on the sap of the leaves, shoots and branches of both the olive and wild olive trees. If the infestation is not very serious, it will weaken the tree, but in the most extreme cases it can cause severe damage and reduce both its growth and production.
olive aphid
Aphids are insects that feed on the sap of the leaves and tender shoots of the wild olive tree, similar to how the mealybug does.
If the tree is infested, it will not only become weaker, but it will be more at risk of getting sick.
Olive moth
The larvae of this moth feed on the flowers and young leaves of both the olive and wild olive trees. They can cause damage to flower buds and affect the productive capacity of the tree.
leaf miner
It is an insect whose larvae devour the leaves. The damage they can cause is so serious that it affects the tree's ability to photosynthesize.
root nematodes
They infect the roots of the olive tree and cause damage to the root system, thus reducing the tree's water and nutrient absorption capacity.
Diseases that can affect the wild olive
The diseases that the wild olive can suffer from can be more or less serious, but all of them must be treated to minimize their ability to harm the tree.
Radical rot
This serious disease is caused by a fungus of the genus Phytophthora. The pathogen infects the root, and It causes rot and necrosis.
Some of its most visible symptoms are:
- Leaves and branches wither suddenly, especially in the upper part of the crown.
- The leaves turn yellow and fall prematurely.
- The growth speed of the tree slows down.
- Digging around the base of the wild olive tree, you can see that the roots have rotted.
The problem with root rot is that the fungus that causes it is very resistant once it has established itself. In fact, It is not strange that it ends up causing the death of the tree.
The best treatment is to apply good preventive care, avoiding at all costs that moisture accumulates in the roots of the tree. Because it is precisely in humid environments where the fungus feels “at home.”
olive branch
This disease is also known as olive black spot, and can affect the wild olive or wild olive tree. It is caused by the fungus Cycloconium oleaginum and, Despite being a relatively common disease among olive trees, That doesn't make it any less serious.
As in all cases where a fungal infection occurs, the underlying cause is too much moisture around the tree. In the specific case of this fungus, to start acting, It needs humidity and moderate temperatures. Hence it is more common in spring and autumn.
Among its symptoms we highlight:
- Appearance of circular or irregular dark brown or black spots on the leaves.
- The spots can grow and merge with each other.
- The leaves turn yellow and fall prematurely.
- If leaf fall is very abundant, fruit production will decrease.
How to treat wild olive pests and their diseases?
The first thing is to always carry out preventive action, taking measures so that the tree not affected by insects nor by fungi or other pathogens.
If you detect that something is wrong, try to find out what is happening as soon as possible. This way you can start applying the remedy.
In the case of insect infestations, if possible, apply natural insecticides, that cause less damage to the environment and do not affect other species that are good for trees, such as bees.
If the disease has been caused by a fungus, apply a fungicide, remove the most damaged branches, and Make sure the roots do not receive more moisture than they need.
Both pests of the wild olive tree and diseases caused by fungi can lead to the death of the tree, so it is something that we have to take very seriously.