Olive lace bugs, an increasing problem in a number of regions

Abstract: Lace bugs, or tingids (Hemiptera: Tingidae) are sap-sucking insects causing
increased problems in some olive producing countries. They have been reported attacking
cultivated olives in Australia, South Africa, Ethiopia, and northern India and Pakistan, where
they have moved from their native Oleaceae hosts. In Australia, the native olive lace bug
Froggattia olivinia was first described feeding on the native olive Notelaea longifolia but by
the early 1900s was reported damaging European olives. It has spread from its original
distribution in eastern Australia to all olive-growing states and has become a serious pest. All
life stages cause chlorotic spotting and yellowing of leaves, and in heavy infestations leaf drop
and dieback. Hot, dry conditions cause high mortality in young nymphal instars especially in
the crawlers – conversely, mild and humid conditions result in high survival rates to adulthood.
Lace bug integrated management strategies heavily rely on monitoring particularly for
emergence of the first-generation nymphs in spring, pruning trees to open the canopy and
stimulate tree vigour, as well as appropriately timed and targeted insecticides to particularly
treat hot spots. Some growers have released green lacewings for biological control, but with
limited reported success. Lace bugs pose potential risks, particularly when new areas within
their natural distribution are planted with cultivated olives.