Progress towards pest and disease management in Australian olive production

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of the Australian olive industry during the past decade, plantings have been made in many parts of Australia including both temperate and sub-tropical regions, where summer-dominant rainfall may present production problems. Australia appears to be free of many cosmopolitan olive pests and diseases such as olive moth (Prays oleae), olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) and olive knot (Pseudomonas savastanoi), although some species such as black scale (Saissetia oleae) and peacock spot (Spilocea oleaginae) are widely distributed. Australia also has several native pests of cultivated olive, including olive lace bug, Froggattia olivinia and Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni. The industry has identified sustainable pest and disease management as a key priority, and a national project has been funded by the Australian Government through the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.