Rock powder in a preventive strategy
What is it ?
Very different substances (kaolin, zeolite, bentonite) deriving from the more or less fine grinding of natural rocks. They are used alone or in combination with copper or aldehydes against olive fly.
How does it work ?
Mixed in water and applied to the aerial part of the olive trees, using shoulder lances or more modern equipment which distribute the product, covering the entire canopy.
A veiling of crystalline particles is created, it makes the drupes unrecognizable to the fly altering the smell of the olives, modifying their color and texture and therefore making the oviposition discouraged. Moreover, the whitish cover contributes to retain a lot of water which hinders the development of insect larvae and protects the plants from excessive heating. Once washed away by rain, the powder has an invigorating effect on the soil.
Plants treated with Zeolite recorded a lower fly attack than untreated plants, which instead showed an incidence of affected drupes reaching 50%
Results
By using rock powders, the grower can reduce the use of chemical interventions, choosing a preventive approach and allowing the transition from a larvicidal to an adulticide strategy. If well applied rock powder contributes to preserve the productivity of the plant, the quality of the fruits and economic benefits.
Cost - Cost-efficiency
- low cost (approximately):
- Kaolin 90 €/ha/year
- Zeolite 25 €/ha/year
- Bentonite10 €/ha/year
- no increase in equipment cost
- reduction in copper cost
- reduction in chemicals cost