Olive fly treatment: an opportunity to enhance the nutrition of the olive grove
Technical Recommendation for August
João Chorão, technical and sales consultant for Hubel Verde at the Baixo Alentejo region, wrote the Recommendation by Hubel Verde for August.
During the summer, most olive groves enter a critical phase. As protection against the olive fruit fly intensifies, the olives enter the filling stage, a period during which the olive tree has high nutritional needs.
For João Chorão, this moment represents an opportunity to optimize each pass through the olive grove.
"When we treat olive trees for the olive fruit fly, we can take advantage of this treatment to boost the olive tree’s nutrition and help it build up reserves before its dormant period."
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One single pass, two objectives
The phytosanitary treatment against the olive fly is part of the protection strategy for the olive grove at this time. This intervention can be accompanied by foliar fertilization. In a single pass, it is possible to protect the crop, to enhance the nutrition of the olive tree and prepare it for the end of the campaign.
In this way, an operation already planned in the calendar of the farm is utilized, and the efficiency of each intervention is increased.
The products mentioned in this recommendation have high compatibility with products usually used in agriculture. Still, it is always recommended to conduct a prior compatibility test before preparing the mixture, according to the indications of each technical sheet.
Complete nutrition for olive filling
During the growth phase of the olive, potassium and calcium play an important role in the filling of the fruit and in the yield of olive oil.
“It is at this stage that the olive tree has greater needs for these nutrients and it is also when we can make the most of their application", says João.
Fertifol Plus 13-5-22+10CaO+0.5B+0.5Zn is a high-concentration soluble solid fertilizer, especially recommended for olive groves during the fattening and ripening of the fruit. It combines nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with calcium, boron, and chelated zinc, bringing together the most important nutrients for this phase of the cycle.
In this formulation, calcium helps to strengthen the cell walls and increase the resistance of the tissues of the olive tree, an aspect that can help reduce susceptibility to problems such as tuberculosis. Meanwhile, boron and zinc play an important role in the preparation for flowering and fruit set of the next campaign, so this is a phase particularly suitable for their supply.
João Chorão emphasizes that, "by strengthening nutrition at this stage, we are also preparing the olive tree for the next campaign".
Codafol K35 Acid is another solution for this phase of the crop. With a high potassium content and a slightly acidic formulation, it is especially indicated to respond to periods of greater extraction of this nutrient, as occurs during the filling of the olive.
The choice between different solutions must take into account the needs of each olive grove, with technical support being essential to define the most appropriate strategy.
Summer stress: protect the olive tree in the most demanding months
July and August are among the months of greatest physiological stress for the olive tree. High temperatures and intense radiation affect the tree's activity and can compromise fruit development.
Vegetal B60 is a liquid fertilizer of 100% plant origin, rich in betaine glycine, a molecule with osmo-protective action that the plant naturally accumulates in response to thermal, water, or saline stress.
Betaine glycine helps to maintain cellular metabolic functions, preserves cell turgor and reduces excessive water loss, which ultimately contributes to a better physiological balance of the olive tree.
"In the months of July and August, it is important to keep the olive tree as balanced as possible, so that it can get through this period of greater demand without compromising the filling of the olive", explains João Chorão.
By maintaining the physiological activity of the olive tree during the periods of greatest stress, Vegetal B60 can favor the processes associated with fruit filling and oil accumulation.
Preparing for the end of the campaign starts now
In the olive grove, the decisions made during the summer reflect on production and also influence the following campaign.
When the treatment against the olive fly is utilized to enhance leaf nutrition, it meets the needs of the olive tree in one of the most demanding phases of the cycle.
This strategy favors the filling of the
olive, helps prepare the tree for vegetative rest, and creates better
conditions for the next campaign.
If you wish to define the most suitable strategy for your olive grove, the Hubel Verde team is available to assist you in the field and adapt the recommendations to the reality of your farm.