According to a new study, the Leccino olive variety appears to be ‘tolerant’ to the attack of the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium that has wiped out large swaths of Italian olive-growing regions.
According to new research the variety Leccino appears to be ‘tolerant’ to the attack of the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium.
The study, conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection IPSP of the National research Council of Italy CNR in Bari and the Department of Science of Soil, Plants And Food DiSSPA of the University of Bari UNIBA, was published in the international journal BMC Genomics.
Leccino is endowed with an intrinsic tolerance to Xylella fastidiosa- National research Council of Italy CNR in Bari
Researchers compared the genetic profiles of Leccino and Ogliarola salentina infected by the Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) bacterium based on field observations that suggested Xfp-infected plants of Leccino showed “much milder symptoms,” than the more widely grown and highly susceptible Ogliarola Salentina.
Therefore, researchers noted, “to determine whether these field observations underlie a tolerant condition of cv. Leccino, which could be exploited for lessening the economic impact of the disease on the local olive industry, transcriptional changes occurring in plants of the two cultivars affected by Xfp were investigated.”
See Also:Complete Coverage of the Xylella Fastidiosa Outbreak
The data suggest that “Xfp elicits a different transcriptome response in the two cultivars, which determines a lower pathogen concentration in cv. Leccino and indicates that this cultivar may harbor genetic constituents and/or regulatory elements which counteract Xfp infection.” In other words, “Leccino is endowed with an intrinsic tolerance to Xfp.”
In the last few days, Agriculture Minister Maurizio Martina said that a budget of €11 million has been set aside for the Apulian farms affected by the Xf emergency. “We proceeded to complete the process of allotment of resources and to sign the decree which allocates resources to the region for the recovery of the damage suffered,” the minister announced during a parliamentary question.
Moreover, MEPs Paolo De Castro and Raffaele Fitto have tabled a question to the European Commission asking to remove the “prohibition concerning the planting of host plants in infected zones” (provided for in article 5 of the Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/789), which include the provinces of Lecce and part of Taranto and Brindisi.
The research of IPSP and DiSSPA corroborates the request but it is also a matter of concern for those who believe it could encourage the replacement in the infected area with Leccino and other tolerant varieties, not native to the region, causing a radical transformation of the territory.
“This solution will please those who work to convert the Apulian olive growing in intensive and super-intensive, calling for a revision of the laws on cutting down of monumental olive trees,” considered an independent local magazine.
However, researchers noted that “these preliminary data need extensive laboratory and field evaluation before a practical exploitation of the cv. Leccino for the management of Xfp in olives.”
More articles on: natural disasters, Italy, Xylella fastidiosa
Mar. 14, 2024
Authorities in Puglia Confirm Culprit in Olive Tree Devastation
Officials rebuffed a recent study that implied Xylella fastidiosa was not mainly responsible for the millions of ravaged trees.
May. 13, 2024
Sustainability, Biodiversity Good for Business, This Campania Farmer Believes
Case d'Alto produces organic extra virgin olive oils in Irpinia from autochthonous varieties. Owner Claudio De Luca says focusing on sustainability improves quality.
Nov. 21, 2023
The Agronomic and Macroeconomic Forces Behind Olive Oil Prices in Italy
Despite an anticipated production rebound in Italy, prices will likely remain high. Farmers will need to adapt to a new reality.
Aug. 19, 2024
The Many Values in Recovering Abandoned Olive Groves in Tuscany
Fil Bucchino, Andrea Pagliai and Gionni Pruneti produce extra virgin olive oil from recovered trees to benefit communities and the environment.
Jun. 12, 2024
Proposal Would Ban Solar Panel Installation on Italy's Farmlands
Exemptions for agri-voltaic systems would still allow research and development of projects in olive groves to continue.
Mar. 25, 2024
Scientists Defend Study Finding Xylella Not Responsible for Most OQDS
Margherita Ciervo and Marco Scortichini defend their research that found Xylella fastidiosa was not responsible for most Apulian olive tree deaths over the past decade.
May. 23, 2024
Historic Flooding in Southern Brazil Spares Groves, Mills
Producers are struggling in the aftermath of the worst flooding in Rio Grande do Sul’s history. While mills and groves were largely spared, sales have been severely impacted.
Jun. 2, 2024
Award-Winning Siblings Grateful Father Chose Coratina
After inheriting the family olive farm, brother and sister Tommaso and Angela Fiore continue the family legacy.