EXPECTED RESULTS
Greece is the third largest producer of olive oil in the world, following Spain and Italy. In the Peloponnese Region and specifically in Messinia (Regional Unit), the area of cultivated table olives is estimated at 4,191 hectares, while that of olive oil production at 604,089 acres (859,559 acres of olive cultivation – Hellenic Statistical Authority 2019).
Original laboratory research
The study of the interaction of meteorological conditions, the biological cycle of biotic enemies and the development stages of the crop has allowed the development of models for predicting the probability of occurrence of infestations (Landa, 2019). The integration of these models in electronic applications helps to make decisions for the prevention and fight against enemies and diseases.
In Italy, the applications OLIWES (Olive Warning Enterprise Suite) and olivo.net of the companies AGRICOLUS and HORT@, respectively, have been developed, mainly for the management of the bin. The organization of the production process in olive cultivation will be implemented for the first time in Greece through the AFICIONADO-OLIVE application, in Messinia (Regional Unit).
The application processes agro-meteorological observations and models of biotic enemies to produce warnings for the timely organization of crop interventions. Weather information includes current conditions and weekly horizon forecast.
Expected results from the implementation of the project
The Regional Unit of Messinia has the largest area of cultivated olives in P. Peloponnese. 8,678 tons of table and 636,882 tons of oil-making olives are produced. However, the cost of olive production in Greece amounts to €1.00/kg, in contrast to €0.60/kg in Spain, where processing costs are also lower (Mylonas, 2015).
The purpose of the Operational Plan is to reduce production costs and minimize losses, providing the means for the maximum possible control of pests and diseases and the optimal organization of cultivation operations. Research has shown the importance of decision-making systems in reducing production costs. Miranda et al. (2019) reported a 37% reduction in the use of bollworm insecticides using similar applications in olive. Accordingly, Perlot et al. (2016) reported a reduction in the cost of using insecticides from €174 to €224/ha in the vineyard.
On the other hand, Greek olive oil lags behind in its business exploitation. The need for traceability to strengthen supplier and consumer trust relationships is recognized as important for its competitiveness. The Business Plan will implement a traceability system, which will provide a complete description of the olive production line.