The heat has arrived at the olive grove!

From June to August, the olive grove requires different work than the rest of the year. It's the time to check irrigation, monitor for pests (especially olive fly if temperatures aren't too high), finish summer pruning, and start preparing the harvesting machinery. In Extremadura, the heat also necessitates shifting work schedules: work is done at dawn and late afternoon, almost never in the strong sun.

Necessary work in the olive grove during the summer in Extremadura

1. Irrigation (the olive grove is irrigated)

Objective: Maintain adequate water levels for the tree and promote fruit set.
Frequency: Depending on water needs, soil type, and climate (very hot and dry in Extremadura).
Irrigation type: Localized (drip), optimizing water consumption.

2. Weed control Methods:

Methods:

Mechanical weeding between rows.
Localized herbicide application (only if necessary and permitted).

Objective: Prevent competition for water and nutrients.

3. Pest and disease control

Main threats in summer:

- Olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae)
- Prays (third generation – attack on fruit)
- Repilo (if there is localized moisture)

Actions:

- Monitoring with traps or visual inspection.
- Application of phytosanitary treatments if intervention thresholds are exceeded.

4. Green Pruning (occasional)

Objective: To eliminate unwanted shoots or suckers, improve aeration, and allow light to enter.
Only in specific cases: when there is excess vegetation that impairs fruit set or fattening.

5. Maintenance Tasks

Examples:

- Repairing irrigation systems.
- Checking fences or access roads.
- Checking the drainage system or cleaning ditches.

6. Fruit Monitoring

Objective: To observe the development of olives and anticipate water stress or pest problems.
Activity: Sampling, taking notes, and, in some cases, laboratory analysis.