Olives Have Pest Potential

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 7, 2006

By FRANCES THOMPSON

OLIVES could be "sleeper" weeds and turn into feral plant pests that may invade Hunter farmland and native bush.

NSW weed experts, olive growers and primary industry representatives will gather this week to discuss how to avert the plant's escape into areas where they are not wanted.

South Australia's old olives have populated the landscape, requiring big eradication programs, and NSW agriculture does not want the same situation in the Hunter.

The ornamental African olive has invaded Hunter roadsides already, and large clumps can be seen along the New England Highway.

Weeds co-ordinator for the Hunter and Central Coast environmental management strategy Michael Somerville said there were "huge" infestations of African olives in Cessnock and Maitland.

Mr Somerville said that concerns rested with European olives which, over time, could turn into similar weeds.

"We have not eradicated any plants that have been introduced into Australia," Mr Somerville said.

Olives were normally highly managed in commercial groves but hobby farmers may lose interest in their trees.

Unpruned and unharvested olives were prime suspects for turning feral.

"They could be sleeper weeds, low lying, then taking off," Mr Somerville said.

Adina olive grove owner Peter O'Meara said abandonment of trees was an important issue for farmers.

"If trees are properly maintained there is little to no chance of the olives becoming feral," Mr O'Meara said.

Experts believe South Australia's climate has made it easy for its olives to spread.

University researchers said the European olive, grown commercially in the 19th century, became a problem woody weed in the Adelaide Hills as far back as the 1930s.

The Department of Primary Industries estimates 8000 hectares of European olives will be planted in NSW in the next few years.

© 2006 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home