Qualitative and quantitative impacts of Bactrocera oleae on the fungal microbiota of ripe drupes

Abstract

The olive fly, Bactrocera oleae, is a major key pest of olive drupes, greatly affecting quality and quantity of olive oil production. Fungus species associated with olive drupes can also have important impacts on olive production. However, little is currently known about the interaction between olive fly and fungi. Ripe olive drupes of three olive varieties, either with or without olive fly infestations, were collected in southern Italy.