Thirteenth International Conference on Food Studies

Abstract

The olive psylle, Euphyllura olivina Costa (Homoptera; Psyllidae), causes considerable damage in the olive groves of the Mediterranean basin, thus affecting production. To assess the rate of infestation and provide elements of integrated pest management, the monitoring of the host plant infestation and the chronology of the different olive psyllid ecophases was carried out at the level of two relatively remote olive groves (Ain fares, Oued taria) in the wilaya of Mascara. The monitoring of the life cycle of the pest E. olivina and its bio-ecology is carried out through periodic population counts on the leaves and twigs of the host tree (olive tree) in the two olive groves. This pest carries out its life cycle in two annual generations. These populations are found on the flower buds and on the terminal and auxiliary buds of the leaves as well as on all exhibitions of the tree and olive varieties. Seasonal climatic conditions and the host plant are likely a factor in the evolution of psylla. According to the orientation of the tree and in the two study sites, a significant difference in the evolution of the populations of psylla of the olive tree E. olivina is recorded. We also found a significant relationship between the season and the fluctuation of the E. olivina population.