Spatial analysis of olive fly on Samos island

Cultivation of olive-trees is one of the landmark land-uses and agroecosystems of the Mediterranean. The single most important factor of production-loss is infestation by the olive fruit fly (OLF, Bactrocera oleae). We examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of OLF populations on Samos Island by employing spatial-analysis methods for a focused estimation on olive plantations. The case study includes a variation of areas across altitude. We use data for three years (2017–2019) from 399 trap locations that are not associated with farms or other major anthropogenic installations and measure temperature and humidity in 24 locations across the island to: examine the temporal variation of OLF populations, to check the relationship of temperature, humidity, and geomorphological characteristics and calculate the estimated spatial distribution of OLF. Results show small differences of annual averages, but very important spatiotemporal differences and micro hot/cold spots of OLF populations. Findings suggest significant movement of OLF populations across landscape. This approach can help achieve a deeper understanding of OLF behavior in Mediterranean ecosystems and contribute toward new approaches in pest management of olive trees.