Absence of Insecticide Sprays Could Threaten World’s Olive Oil Supply
10 January 2012 The olive fly is an ancient pest that has plagued the Mediterranean region for centuries. Because of advancements in crop protection, olive growers are now able to battle the insect.
A recent study from CropLife Foundation explored the fly’s effect on the olive harvest, stating that up to 40% of production would be lost if insecticide sprays were not accessible. The fly causes damage by attacking olive trees in the summer and fall, causing fruit to drop before ripening can occur.
In addition, the insect’s larvae feast on olive pulp, which could cause a reduction of oil quantity by 20%-25%. Larvae also cause holes in olives, leaving room for bacteria and fungi to grow.
Quality is affected as well. Acidity levels in olives affected by the olive fruit fly are 50%-60% higher. Acidity is increased by fermentation through the action of bacteria and fungi and oxygen exposure. Olive fly attacks also cause a reduction in phenolic concentration in oils from olives, ranging from 34%-49%, according to the study.
Chemical insecticides introduced in the 1960s gave olive growers the ability to protect their crop from the flies. Currently, farmers are using bait sprays, a mix of attractant and insecticide spraying on olive tree leaves. In addition, countries such as Spain and Greece have implemented government-sponsored area-wide spray programs.
The key to keep olive fruit flies in control, said the study, is managing the spread of the insect because of their mobility.
Editor’s note: Visit the CropLife Foundation for the full study on the olive fly and other studies about the benefits of crop protection products in agriculture and society.
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