The 27th international manifestation of olive and oil growers “Noćnjak 2025” was held in the organization of the Cooperative Association of Dalmatia in Rab from March 13 to March 16, 2025. As part of Noćnjak, a scientific and professional conference on olive growing and olive oil production was held under the leadership of Dr. Mirella Žanetić, a collaborator on the LoVeFly project.
At the same event, project collaborator Filipa Burul, mag. ing. agr. (HRZZ-DOK-2021-02-1355), gave a presentation on behalf of the author group consisting of MSc Filipa Burul, Prof. Renata Bažok, Dr. Marijana Popović, Dr. Maja Jukić Špika, Dr. Katja Žanić, and Dr. Elda Vitanović, entitled “Volatile Compounds of Lastovka and Oblica Olive Blossoms as Potential Attractants for the Olive Moth (Prays oleae Bern.)”
The presentation showcased research findings on the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the blossoms of two indigenous olive cultivars, Lastovka and Oblica.
The olive moth is one of the most significant pests of the olive tree, and this research focuses on gaining a better understanding of its interaction with the host plant. Through the analysis and identification of volatile compounds from the flowers of these cultivars and by testing their attractiveness in olive orchards, the results open up possibilities for the development of new, environmentally friendly attractants.
Such attractants could become a key tool in olive moth monitoring and control strategies, whether used alone or in combination, while reducing the need for chemical insecticide applications in olive groves.
