Integrated Management Program for the Olive Moth: Crop Protection, Natural and Chemical Control Methods
Integrated Management Program for the Olive Moth: Crop Protection, Natural and Chemical Control Methods
The integrated management program for the olive moth is a guide dedicated to olive farmers in Syria to protect their crops from this pest. The strategy is based on combining agricultural, biological, and chemical operations to minimize economic damage and ensure production efficiency.
First: Agricultural and Mechanical Operations
Field operations form the first line of defense against the olive moth through two main mechanisms:
-
Soil plowing and hoeing: Plowing is carried out around the tree trunk to expose incomplete and overwintering larvae in their dormant stage under fallen leaves to weather conditions, causing their death.
-
Pruning and waste disposal: Olive trees are pruned after harvesting the fruits in February. Pruning residues are burned immediately to eliminate a large percentage of the overwintering larvae inside them.
Second: Biological Control and Use of Bacteria
This pillar focuses on introducing microorganisms and protecting the natural enemies of the insect:
-
Bacterial insecticides: Using bacterial formulations such as Bacillus thuringiensis against the floral generation at a rate of 0.7 to 1 gram of the product per liter of water. Spraying is conducted when the egg-hatching rate exceeds 50%.
-
Conservation of biological enemies: Many natural enemies of the olive moth have been surveyed and classified in Syria, the most important of which are insect parasitoids:
-
Ageniaspis fuscicollis
-
Chylonus eleaphilus
-
Baukbakas pupulus
-
Predators such as Chrysopa carnea and species of Antrocharis.
Third: Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors and Chemical Control
Chemical intervention is utilized only when necessary and according to precise criteria:
-
Chitin synthesis inhibitors: Specialized insecticides that prevent the formation of chitin necessary for insect molting, which stops their growth and leads to death in early stages. They are used on newly hatched larvae, especially on the floral and leaf generations.
-
Targeted chemical control: Systemic insecticides are used on the floral generation before the flower buds open and when the pest reaches the economic threshold. As for the fruit generation, it is controlled after the fruits reach the appropriate size for infestation and according to the economic threshold.
Fourth: Impact of Climate Conditions
Weather factors play a crucial role in naturally limiting the development stages of the pest, especially the eggs:
-
Temperatures exceeding 32°C combined with relative humidity below 50% negatively affect the eggs.
-
An increase in relative humidity to above 70% leads to mass mortality of the laid eggs
11/5/2026
