Olives are very easy to care for and basically extremely robust trees that are rarely attacked by pests, fungi or diseases. Such an infestation is usually due to improper care, especially in winter.

Olive fruit fly rare in Germany

Feared in the growing countries, but rather rare in this country - i. H. hitherto unknown - is the olive fruit fly. This pest, which specializes in olives, lays its eggs in the unripe fruit and can not only cause damage to the tree itself, but also transmit the bacterium Pseudomonas syringae. This bacterium causes the incurable olive canker, which becomes noticeable through strong cell proliferation on branches and trunk. Other pests feared in the traditional growing countries have also not yet been detected in this country.

Frequent infestation with scale insects and mealybugs

Instead, German olives are often plagued by stubborn scale and mealybugs, especially if the infested olive has not been overwintered optimally. The plant lice love warmth and prefer to attack weakened plants. As a result, indoor olives or hibernating olives make perfect victims. The best way to prevent plant lice is to overwinter the olives outdoors or 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 the blazing sun - and separate them from other plants so that the infestation does not spread.

Spider mites and aphids are also common

Also a sign of wrong hibernation is an infestation with spider mites. These very widespread plant pests often come from insufficiently 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 dryness - just as dry room air as dry soil.

Control of spider mites

You can get rid of spider mites quite easily:

  • water 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
  • Spray larger trees or alternatively with nettle juice all around

Aphids are also increasingly found on the underside of the leaf or on young shoots. Since these bugs cause leaves and shoots to wither away, treatment makes sense. Spraying with nettle juice also helps here.

Production of stinging nettle stock

  • Pick about 250 grams of nettle leaves - don't forget gloves!
  • Roughly chop these.
  • 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 and 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.

Category:

Trees