About the Trees
General Info
Drought Hardiness
Through 1000’s of years, when many other trees have died because of drought, the olive tree has always been among the survivors. Eden Valley’s trees have been grown dry land, which has resulted in the development of a hardier and deeper root system. This has helped protect the trees from wind damage which can lead to large trees blowing down (a problem in fully irrigated groves). However, after the establishment of the better root structure, an irrigation system would now boost production.
Tree Growth
Research has shown that irrigated Olive trees grown weed free can grow approximately 1 metre per year in height and breadth in their early years.
The graph (right) shows the progression of Eden Valley trees grown dry-land.
Pests and Diseases
Insect Pests:
Olive insect pests in Australia are fairly much restricted to Black Scale. This is a very minimal problem which is easily controlled with a foliar oil spray.
Animal Pests:
In the early days of the grove development some of the local fauna caused problems of one sort or another. However, now that the trees are maturing and the grove established, the days of animal and bird problems appear to be behind us.
Diseases:
Olive tree diseases are relatively minimal in Australia. The main fungal problem known as Peacock Spot is simply controlled. Eden Valley has had no problem with Peacock Spot as our climate and tree spacing contribute to the protection of our grove. The root problem Verticillium Wilt has affected one part of Eden Valley. This certain area contained badly draining soil which resulted in a lack of oxygen around the roots causing root rot and subsequent tree death. We learned from this mistake benefiting the future allotment of trees.