Zeolites against the Pearl Oyster – Nikos Lygeros
This year in the Prefecture of Messinia, we are seeing a serious problem with the Margaronia. It is an insect that usually attacks young shoots as well as the fruit, affecting the point where two fruits touch more than individual fruits. On the olive tree, the insect’s larvae attack the tender tips of the shoots, unopened flowers and green fruit. It causes significant damage only to young saplings, so it is a problem for olive nurseries. In any case, what we have observed is that in areas where olive trees are infested by the olive fruit fly, those that have been sprayed with 3 kg of zeolite per 200 litres of water show no signs of damage. We can therefore see in practice that zeolite is effective against Margaronia in open fields and not just in laboratory experiments. It is therefore important that growers are informed as soon as possible so that they can protect their crops before any infestation occurs. This approach is relevant in all cases. And since we already know that zeolite is also effective against the olive fruit fly, the combination of the two is even more crucial for our country’s olive groves. Consequently, an official update is also essential regarding the Margaronia pest.