Olive leprosy (Phlyctema vagabunda)

The olive leprosy is caused by infections of the fungus Phlyctema vagabunda (Previously known as Gloeosporium olivae Foschi, 1955).

This pest is of a secondary nature and is usually controlled by fungicidal applications that are made to control the olive peacock spot. There are ​​pests of greater economic impact on which the farmer should focus his efforts (Prays, Verticillium, olive fly, ​​borer, back scale on olive tree…)

Development phase

Leprosy of olive tree attacks occur during the month of October. The development of the fungus is favored by the conditions of humidity (abundant rains) and mild temperature. The fungus can be found in latent state inside the olive if the conditions are not conducive, producing the crushed oil.

The fungus is mainly seen in olives, although it can also affect small branches and leaves.

Damage or symptoms caused by leprosy

Leprosy of olive tree affects the surface of olives, both green or ripe. The main damages are due to the commercial devaluation of the olives.

The damage caused by Phlyctema vagabunda, consist of small brown spots rounded on the Fruit skin These spots are between 2 and 10 mm in diameter and are depressed under the skin. The spots are usually found centered on a lenticel. In the center there is usually a small white dot that is the fruiting form of the fungus. The spots produced by the fungus have a tendency to grow, joining together and producing the total or partial mummification of the olives.

It differs with gusset in that it does not require the presence of wounds for infection and the number of spots is higher.

Loss of olive oil quality.

Olive tree leprosy

The cupric compounds plus dithiocarbamates, commonly used to control other fungi such as the repilo or the anthracnose control this disease. In case of applying phytosanitary products we must make sure to carry out the treatments in time and doses authorized by the ministry.

Recommended reading

Expenses of a super high density olive orchard
Most profitable olive variety
Manzanilla Olive
Arbequina olive oil
More than 30 olive varieties
Picual Oil (properties, characteristics, uses…)

Warning

We have translated the information on our website from Spanish to English. Note that some words may have seen their meaning altered during their translation.