The Australian olive industry has issued an industry alert over a possible new biosecurity threat that has affected olives in Spain, Italy and the US.
It's called Neofabraea vagabunda (Branch Cankers) and the symptoms include fruit rot, defoliation, twig lesions, and leaf spots.
Humid growing conditions appear to provide favourable environments for the disease, according to Australian Olive Association CEO Lisa Rowntree.
In 2014 researchers observed surface and rounded branch cankers (0.5 to 3 cm in diameter) and dieback of twigs on certain olive cultivars in southern Spain. Previously this disease had only been seen in Italy where it was termed olive leprosy It has more recently been reported in California.
“No specific action is required at this time, but we urge growers that experience the conditions listed above, and who have had issues with anthracnose to be on alert,” a fact sheet on the threat said.
“If you are concerned that you have this disease in your orchard please contact the Australian Olive Association on (08) 8573 6545 or Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881, or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline 1800 675 888.”
