Peacock Spot and Olive Knot - Time to Spray | The Olive Oil Source
 

Peacock Spot and Olive Knot - Time to Spray

Source: The Olive Oil Source
November 06, 2004

As soon as trees are harvested and before heavy rains is the time to spray for peacock spot and olive knot.  Peacock Spot, also known as olive leaf spot, is caused by the fungus spilocaea Oleaginea. Copper fungicides are the mainstay for control.  The fungus causes leaf drop which robs the tree of vegetative energy leading to smaller crops and poor growth.

Olive Knot is caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas Savastonoi.  It enters cracks in the plant at the site of pruning, leaf scars, etc, causing a gall like "knot" to form which can girdle and kill twigs and branches. Copper sprays control the bacteria.

For more information go to

UC Pest Management Guidelines

Peacock Spot and Cercospora - UC Davis

Peacock Spot - Santa Cruz Olive Orchard

Peacock Spot - Australian Olive Association

Peacock Spot - SACOA Pty Ltd