Study of the interaction between the olive tree pests and their natural enemies

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to study the interaction between the olive pests and their natural enemies for the establishment of possible control programs and prevention against the main pests of olive trees and to ensure the agro-ecological stability of olive orchards and their protection. Using several sampling techniques, presence of four pests and five predators was observed on the olive tree. The phytophagous insects included serious olive tree pests; Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), Euphyllura olivina (Costa) (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), Liothrips oleae Costa (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) and Parlatoria oleae (Colvée) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Significant positive correlations were acquired between the presence of the predators Chrysoperla carnea and Anthocoris nemoralis with the four pests of the olive tree. The presence of the predators, Scymnus marinus, Scymnus subvillosus and Nesidiocoris tenuis was insignificant compared to the olive pests. The activity of Hymenoptera parasitoids such as Ephedrus plagiator, Bracon sp., Encyrtidae sp. and Diglyphus sp. is necessary for the populations of B. oleae and E. Olivina.