An expert has warned the fledgling Australian olive industry to shape up or risk devastation by disease. Chris Butler, an Italy-based consultant at Olive Matters, believes fungal diseases are common in Australian groves and inexperienced growers are not doing enough to control outbreaks.
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Finding many examples of fungal disease, particularly rhizoctonia (collar rot), verticillium wilt and phytophthora (root rot), Butler said they were almost certainly developing in the soil or nursery plants. Close attention to trunk and roots of olive trees can reveal symptoms of fungal disease, but many growers do not really know enough to intervene and prevent its spread.
Such diseases may have been in the ground before the olive groves were planted, said Butler, but they are more likely the result over over-irrigating, a practise apparently common within the industry.
“Almost everywhere we go in Australia there is some fungal disease – it’s rife and I find that quite alarming. The olive industry risks a considerable setback if these diseases are allowed to develop unchecked,” he said.
Butler believes that the main course of action for growers now was in developing a comprehensive grove hygiene program, with sterilised tools, and conducting more formal research on disease susceptibility and performance.
“Until there is a better understanding of the potential diseases and pests impacting on olive production within Australia, growers cannot afford to ignore them or discount their significance. It’s critical that we learn about our local problems.”
