Pests on the olive tree »How to fight them

Olive fruit flies are rare in Germany

Feared in the growing countries, but rarely in this country - i. H. not yet known - is the olive fruit fly. This pest, which specializes in olives, lays its eggs in the still unripe fruit and cannot only cause damage to the tree itself, but also the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae transfer. These bacteria cause that incurable olive cancer, which is noticeable through strong cell growth on branches and trunk. Other pests that are feared in conventional cultivation countries have not yet been detected in this country either.

Frequent infestation with scale insects and mealybugs

Instead, German olives are often used of stubborn scale insects and mealybugs plagued, especially if the infested olive was not optimally overwintered. The plant lice love warmth and prefer to attack weakened plants. Accordingly, room olives are or olives in hibernation are the perfect sacrifices. The best way to prevent plant lice is to keep the olives outdoors. overwinter in a cool and bright location at a maximum of 10 ° C. Light frost kills the pests. In summer, it is best to place infested olives in full sun - and separate them from other plants so that the infestation does not spread.

Spider mites and aphids are also common

Another sign of incorrect winter storage is an infestation with Spider mites. These very widespread plant pests often come from inadequately disinfected Potting soil. They sit on the underside of the leaf and can be identified by the white web that gives them their name. Spider mites love drought - just as dry room air as dry earth.

Combating spider mites

You can get rid of spider mites quite easily:

• Water the small olive trees vigorously and then put them in a plastic bag
• let the tree stand for a few days
• A humid climate develops in the bag, which causes the spider mites to die off
• larger trees or alternatively, spray all around with nettle stock

Aphids are also increasingly found on the underside of the leaf or on young shoots. Since these vermin leaves and shoots stunted, treatment makes sense. Spraying nettle stock also helps here.

Making nettle stock

• Pick around 250 grams of nettle leaves - don't forget your gloves!
• Roughly chop these up.
• Soak the nettles in two liters of water for 24 hours.

Spray the infested plants with the undiluted brew for several days in a row.

Tips & Tricks

Pests can be prevented by overwintering your olive according to its needs, not keeping it too dry and also only using sterile soil for planting.