La olive moth (Prays oleae) continues to represent one of the most significant adversities of olive growing mediterraneanMonitoring in 2025 in Italy and Spain confirmed a constant pressure, with levels of infestation of the carpophagous generation that in some areas of Southern Italy they have exceeded the intervention thresholds reaching peaks of 30%.
Milder winters and earlier springs favor the survival of the larvae, while the progressive reduction of traditional insecticides, such as dimethoate, has limited the possibilities for direct intervention, making the defense of the carpophagous generation a complex challenge for the qualitative maintenance of the oil.
In this scenario, the search for reliable biotechnological solutions has become a strategic necessity for the sustainable management of the olive grove. And that of the sexual confusion is one of them.
Mating confusion is based on the manipulation of insects' behavior, not their physiology.
The virgin females of Prays oleae they emit a specific pheromone to attract males; artificial diffusion of the same substance, through dispensers installed in the field, creates a saturation of the environment which makes it difficult for males to identify females.
In the case of MIRINGO PRAYS, the pheromone used is (Z)-7-Tetradecanal, released constantly to interfere with mating and reduce the deposition of fertile eggs. This is a selective technique, free of residues and compatible with beneficial insects, such as Chrysoperla carnea, a fundamental natural predator of the moth, recognized as one of the key tools of integrated pest management. MIRINGO PRAYS it is an authorised pheromone dispenser for olive and lemon trees (Ministerial Decree of 29 December 2025, registration no. 19183).
As this is a recently introduced product, the information available comes mainly from official documentation and the characteristics reported on the label.
Among the most relevant elements are the extended delivery duration, designed to cover the entire growing season, up to 6-7 months and total selectivity towards the target species.
The ability to reduce the number of insecticide treatments represents a significant advantage for both the environment and operators, eliminating the risk of exposure from spray drift. However, the label warns of toxicity to aquatic organisms, requiring caution in areas near waterways.
The effectiveness of sexual confusion depends largely on the correct installation of the speakers.
The technical indications include the positioning before or at the beginning of the first spring flight, placing the dispensers in the upper part of the canopy, apical branches, to encourage the diffusion of the pheromone via air currents.
The recommended density is 100–200 spreaders per hectare, evenly distributed. Monitoring with traps remains essential to verify effective disruption and to evaluate any support measures if populations are particularly high.
As with all mating disruption systems, too small surfaces or very fragmented plots can limit the overall effectiveness, while the method expresses its maximum potential in large olive growing areas.
The use of biotechnological techniques such as this is fully in line with the principles of integrated pest management and the objectives of the European Farm to Fork strategy, which promotes the reduction of pesticide use and the protection of beneficial organisms.
MIRINGO PRAYS represents a solution consistent with the transition to more sustainable production models, although it requires an integrated approach that combines monitoring, any targeted interventions and appropriate agronomic practices.
At a time when the olive moth continues to be present and available chemical tools are dwindling, the adoption of technologies based on insect behavior offers a concrete prospect for more modern and responsible olive grove management.
AIPO Director
Interregional Association
Olive producers
