Advances in cultivation, production technologies, and sustainable management of Olive (Olea europaea L.): A review

Abstract

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an economically, nutritionally, and culturally important perennial crop cultivated extensively throughout Mediterranean and other regions. However, olive production is increasingly constrained by climate change, emerging pests and diseases, water scarcity, and the need to reduce environmental contamination associated with conventional crop protection practices. Recent advances in precision agriculture, plant protection technologies, remote sensing, molecular diagnostics, and endotherapy have created new opportunities for improving the sustainability and efficiency of olive production. This review synthesizes recent developments in olive cultivation and sustainable management, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches for the detection, prevention, and control of major pests and diseases. Trunk injection and endotherapy are examined as targeted delivery approaches that can improve the uptake and distribution of plant protection materials while potentially reducing off-target losses. Advances in nano-enabled and controlled-release formulations further provide opportunities for improving the efficacy, persistence, and targetability of crop protection products. The review also highlights the increasing application of unmanned aerial vehicles, multispectral and remote sensing technologies, machine learning, and digital phenotyping for early detection of plant stress, disease symptoms, weeds, and pest infestations and for site-specific management. Particular attention is given to major threats such as Xylella fastidiosa, Verticillium dahliae, olive leaf spot, olive knot, and important insect pests, together with the influence of climate change on their distribution and epidemiology. Integration of plant health monitoring, molecular tools, biological approaches, precision application technologies, and sustainable orchard management can contribute to more efficient and environmentally responsible olive production. Future research should focus on validating these technologies under diverse field conditions, improving delivery efficiency and diagnostic accuracy, integrating multiple data sources, and developing economically feasible management systems. Such integrated approaches can strengthen olive production resilience while supporting environmental sustainability, resource-use efficiency, and long-term productivity. © 2026 The Author(s)