The study of Auchenorrhyncha species composition in Greek olive orchards is crucial due to the potential threat of Xylella fastidiosa invading the region. Recent studies have begun exploring agricultural landscapes, particularly olive and citrus orchards. From 2016 to 2022, biodiversity surveys were conducted in thirteen olive orchards across three regions of Greece: Peloponnese, Sterea Ellada,…
Recently, the number of alien arthropods found in the Mediterranean basin has increased considerably. This phenomenon occurred especially in the milder climate areas of the southern sector. In this context, citrus and olive groves see their productions and even their existence at risk. In the last three decades, the increased number of allochthonous species introduced…
Between 2014 and 2024, Spanish designer Jorge Penadés has been tirelessly researching the olive oil production systems of his birthplace in Andalucía. His decade-long research revealed that in this region – responsible for 20-25 per cent of global production and 80 per cent of Spain’s output – a significant amount of centuries-old native wood is…
Did you know olive oil can go off? In fact, some experts say the best-quality kind should be used within months of purchase. And much to my horror, I recently learned that the worst place to store the stuff is beside the hob, where it’s exposed to lots of heat and light. Still, there’s been…
Clean, renewable energy sources like solar are beginning to replace dirty, polluting energy sources like gas and oil. However, one issue with solar that needs to be addressed as it continues to expand is the amount of physical space solar arrays take up. Luckily, there are several viable ways to work around this issue or…
The olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) is the most significant olive grove pest in the Mediterranean region and worldwide. The damage is caused by its larvae, which feed on the olive fruit, causing significant quantitative and qualitative losses in fruit and oil. Each year, the pest accounts for more than 30 percent of the destruction…
In recent years, frequent and long-lasting droughts have caused severe water shortages and threatened farming production. This occurred in the complex context of climate change and its effects, in which the water crisis plays a key role.Regenerating soil benefits not only the agriculture sector but the whole community. Every farmer can immediately start doing it by…
Olive trees are an iconic feature of the landscape and cultural heritage in southern Italy. But a deadly bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, has left parts of the Apulia region looking like a wasteland. Is there any hope? Millions of trees are dead, and the bacterium threatens to spread further north, to other plant species too. What’s…
It’s olive season in Palestine. Children dart between the olive trees while the adults busy themselves among the branches, harvesting handfuls of sun-soaked fruit. The olives are abundant, and the trees are generous. “The harvest will be good, God willing,” Ibrahim Tos said with a smile, relieved to begin the picking October 10 on this…
Climate change is threatening Greece’s centuries-old olive-growing communities and the timeless traditions they cultivate. It’s not hard to find olive groves in Greece. They are—quite literally—everywhere. I’ve spent hundreds of hours in the car traveling through the country: from Athens in the south to my grandma’s native Thrace, a region that sits on the border…