Olive tree pests and diseases

Page last updated: Wednesday, 25 January 2023 - 9:36am

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Keeping olive trees well-fed and adequately watered is the best initial defence against pests and diseases, since vigorous trees are better able to withstand attack and less likely to suffer long-term damage.

Once pests are identified, ask garden centre staff to recommend suitable control products. Treatment of pests and diseases are always more successful when done in the earliest stage of development.

Preventing disease

To keep olives free of diseases prune to keep the crown open. By limiting the height it is easier to spot problems, apply control measures and pick the fruit.

Olive growers should harvest the entire crop and bin any excess as birds eat the fruit and the seeds may germinate some distance away. In natural habitats around Perth and in the south-west olive has become a weed.