The olive cultivation in recent years (2015-2018) faces serious problems from the outbreak of Gloeosporium disease (Colletotrichum spp.). The damage to production can be almost total, especially in years with high populations of olive fruit flies like in 2018, where the damage is estimated to have exceeded 1 billion euros. Such phenomena pose a real hindrance to the efforts of large cooperative schemes like the Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Laconia (EAS Lakonia), which have distinguished themselves in the market, to continue supporting their position by producing competitive quality products in quantities that meet their needs.

The objectives of the ELIADA project are to develop a new, integrated program for managing Gloeosporium for EAS Lakonia, taking into account:

• The spread and population diversity of the pathogen.
• The organ it infects (shoot, flower, ovary, fruit).
• The role of the olive fruit fly.
• Sensitivity to developing plant protection products.
• The stage of development and the variety of the olive.
• Climatic conditions.

The results of the project will contribute to:

• Finding new innovative solutions (fungicides, conventional and biological) for managing Gloeosporium.
• Transferring know-how to ensure the sustainability of the system after the project ends.
• Preventing production losses of EAS Lakonia due to fruit infections by Gloeosporium.
• Maintaining the top quality of the products offered by EAS Lakonia with stability even in years of Gloeosporium outbreak.
• Transferring new knowledge to agronomists, consulting firms, enterprises, and olive producers, so they can modify their management strategies and cultivation practices accordingly.

All the above will enhance the innovation and competitiveness of our country’s productive entities in the domestic and international market and consequently increase the income of the producers.

The ELIADA project is a collaboration of 3 private entities (AVMAP GIS A.E., Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Laconia A.E., BASF Greece S.A.). ELGO-DIMITRA will also play a significant role in applying the research methodology in the project as one of the project’s subcontractors.

For more information about the project: https://eliadaolive.gr/