The Department of Agriculture of the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) organized an Online Workshop on Olive Fruit Fly Control on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. The workshop was held with the support of the Ministry of Rural Development & Food (MRDF) in collaboration with the Region of Crete, the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece / Crete Branch, the Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences (Research Center of HMU), the Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DIMITRA, the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the Agricultural University of Athens, the University of Thessaly, and the Benaki Phytopathological Institute.
This initiative is part of the broader framework of strengthening and supporting the primary sector, with the aim of assisting olive cultivation and olive growers. The first online seminar on olive fruit fly control was organized by HMU in 2020, and since then it has been held annually with great success nationwide. The 2025 Workshop was addressed exclusively to the Olive Fruit Fly Control officers of the country’s Regional Authorities, with the purpose of enhancing their scientific and technical knowledge. Particular emphasis was placed on new applied approaches and emerging technologies for the more effective management of the olive fruit fly, the main pest of the olive tree.
The olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Diptera: Tephritidae), is the most serious pest of olive cultivation and the cause of frequent and severe economic losses. Its control relies mainly on preventive bait sprays targeting the adult insect, which are applied nationwide under the framework of the National Olive Fruit Fly Control Program. However, its management faces many challenges, one of which is the reduced effectiveness of the insecticides currently in use. In addition, synergies between the olive fruit fly and phytopathogenic fungi have been observed, which can further aggravate the economic impact of infestations.
The workshop opened with addresses by representatives of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food (MRDF), with the presence of the Head of the Directorate of Plant Production Protection, Ms. Annoula Mavridou. This was followed by a greeting from the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Athanasios Malamos, while the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece – Crete Branch was represented by the Chair of the Governing Committee, Ms. Anna Daskalaki.
The Scientific Coordinator of the workshop was the Chair of the Department of Agriculture at HMU, Associate Professor of Agricultural Entomology and Pharmacology, Emmanouil Roditakis.
