Tunisian officials launch plan to stop olive tree disease in Tataouine

Agricultural actors in Tataouine, Tunisia, met at the regional governorate to establish a plan to contain a bacterial disease affecting olive trees.

The Commissariat régional au développement agricole presented a communication plan to educate farmers on disease prevention. These guidelines advise farmers to avoid causing injuries to trees during harvest and to stop using sticks for picking fruit. To prevent cross-contamination between trees, the agency instructed farmers to disinfect pruning tools with alcohol or diluted bleach.

The plan also requires specific maintenance practices, such as pruning healthy trees before treating infected ones. Farmers must cut diseased branches 15 to 20 cm from the infection point during dry periods and burn the remains immediately. Officials also recommended applying copper-based fungicides after pruning or hail events and managing water and fertilizer levels to keep trees strong against insects and humidity. Governor Amir Gabsi called for strict monitoring of these measures in coordination with regional services.

He stated that the situation remains under control and is subject to constant regional oversight.