Contribution to the study of phytosanitary problems linked to the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) in the Western Traras mountains (North West Algeria)

Due to its location at the northwestern tip of Algeria and with a Mediterranean climate and calcareous soil, the olive tree remained the main fruit species cultivated in the Western Traras mountains in recent years. The development and progression of phytosanitary problems (pests, diseases, etc.) of the olive tree have attracted the attention and caused concern among some farmers. Investigations and surveys carried out in the Bab El Assa and Marsa Ben M'hidi region have made it possible to draw up an initial list of insects and fungi that can disturb this precious species in these two regions. However, in this article, we will limit ourselves to presenting the main insect pests and the main fungal diseases that this species is experiencing. The aim of this study is twofold: on the one hand, to describe and analyse the symptoms and, on the other hand, to highlight the role of these phytosanitary problems in the decline of the olive tree, as well as its production, in order to establish the health assessment of our olive groves, knowing that no synecological research had been carried out in this area at the regional level.