Olive bark beetle

Systematic position. The olive bark beetle (Phloeotribus puncticollis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, the family Curculionidae, and the subfamily Scolytinae. It is a highly specialized pest primarily associated with the European olive tree (Olea europaea).

Host crops and damage. The primary host is the olive tree. Adult beetles cause damage by boring into the twigs and leaf axils, which weakens the shoots and makes them prone to breaking under wind pressure. Larvae feed under the bark, excavating galleries that disrupt the vascular system, significantly reducing the vigor of the tree and potentially causing localized branch dieback.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle comprises egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The beetles typically overwinter within their galleries under the bark or in the thick parts of the branches. As temperatures rise in spring, the adults emerge to feed and mate. Females lay eggs under the bark, and the subsequent larval development occurs beneath the surface of the host wood.

The beetle exhibits a high reproductive potential, particularly in environments with mild winters. In neglected orchards, the presence of pruning wood or stressed, dying branches serves as a primary reservoir for the pest, facilitating rapid population expansion throughout the year.

Control measures. Effective management strategies involve:

• Rigorous sanitary pruning and removal of infested wood.
• Timely disposal of cut branches to prevent them from becoming breeding sites.
• Deployment of pheromone traps to monitor and reduce adult populations.
• Application of selective insecticides during periods of peak adult activity.
• Good agricultural practices, including fertilization and irrigation, to maintain tree health and resilience.