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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Olive
Olive Mite
Scientific Name: Oxyenus maxwelli
(Reviewed 1/08,
updated 1/09)
In this Guideline:
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The olive mite occurs throughout all commercial olive districts in
California. The olive tree, Olea europaea,
is the preferred host. Commercial varieties, listed from high to low
susceptibility, are Ascolano, Sevillano, Manzanillo, and Mission.
Olive mite is an eriophyid mite and is difficult to see without
magnification. The mite is yellowish to dark tan, slow moving, and has a
wedge-shaped body that is typical of many eriophyid species.
As a rule, this pest is not a major problem. Olive mites feed on
succulent stem and bud tissues and on the upper surface of leaves. Gross
symptoms of mite damage include sickle-shaped leaves, dead vegetative buds in
spring, discoloration of flower buds, bud drop, blossom blasting, inflorescence
abscission, and reduced shoot growth.
Olive mite is generally not managed in olives unless fruit set and
crop have been below normal for several years. If crop yield has been
increasingly poor for several years in a row, examine shoot tips and developing
flower buds in spring for the presence of olive mites. Treat before bloom if
large populations are present.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Sulfur sprays are acceptable for use on organically certified crops.
| Common name |
Amount to Use** |
R.E.I.+ |
P.H.I.+ |
|
(trade name) |
|
(hours) |
(days) |
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| When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating
to the impact
on natural enemies and honey bees and environmental impact. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used. |
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| PREBLOOM |
| A. |
WETTABLE SULFUR# |
2 lb |
24 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION: Unknown. An inorganic miticide |
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COMMENTS: Application in temperatures above 90°F may result in damage to crop. |
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| B. |
DUSTING SULFUR# |
70 lb |
24 |
0 |
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MODE OF ACTION: Unknown. An inorganic miticide |
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COMMENTS: Dusting sulfur is less damaging than wettable sulfur in hot temperatures. |
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Olive
UC ANR Publication 3452
Insects and Mites
F. G. Zalom, Entomology, UC Davis
P. M. Vossen, UC Cooperative Extension, Sonoma County
R. A. Van Steenwyk, Insect Biology, UC Berkeley
M. W. Johnson, Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
G. S. Sibbett, UC Cooperative Extension, Tulare County
L. Ferguson, Pomology, UC Davis
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