Syndrome Causing Olive Tree Damage Overseas

Taylor Hillman Specialty Crops, Tree, nut & vine crops

Olives in an olive tree
A bacteria in Italy is causing some problems in olive orchards, but the subspecies strain has yet to be seen in the United States.

Researchers say a new syndrome called quick olive decline in Italy is causing widespread dieback, and the bacteria that causes the syndrome basically chokes out the tree. Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor Dani Lightle says the deadly strain of the bacteria has yet to be seen in the States.

What It Does

Lightle says olive producers should always keep an eye out for abnormal dieback, especially since some of the subspecies of the bacteria already exist in California.

Connection to Pierce’s Disease