Following a European Commission proposal to chop down 11 million olive trees in South Italy infected by Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), a meeting of experts from the 28 European Union (EU) member states in Brussels failed to reach a consensus on the measures to contain the spread of the bacterium.
Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium spread by insects, has been blamed for the destruction of over 74,000 acres of olive groves in the Salento region of Apulia (Puglia), South Italy.
At the meeting of the EU Plant Health committee in Brussels on March 26 and 27, 2015, experts from the 28 EU member states had differing opinions on the best way to stop Xf.
Italy is opposed to the drastic measures proposed by the European Commission, citing resistance from local olive producers to the destruction of centuries-old olive trees and devastation of the local landscape.
Meanwhile, France and Spain support a hard-line approach, fearing the possible contamination of their own olive groves, vineyards and even citrus trees by the insect-transmitted bacterium.
See Also:More on the Xylella fastidiosa Outbreak in Apulia
Italy would be unable to veto any decisions to be taken on the eradication plan as voting is by a majority. Other EU member states called for a wider ban on plant exports from the Salento region and a larger buffer zone to be treated with pesticides to limit the spread of Xylella fastidiosa.
Local authorities have earmarked a one-million-hectare (2.4‑million acre) eradication zone in the province of Lecce, with affected olive trees being marked with red crosses for imminent felling.
The region of Apulia is one of Italy’s largest producers of olive oil, providing 40 percent of Italy’s output last year.
Discussions are expected to continue at another EU meeting in Brussels this month.
Related Articles
Jun. 3, 2024
Xylella-Resilient Groves Are the Future of Apulian Olive Oil
Farmers’ associations, researchers and institutions are teaming up to replant Xylella fastidiosa-resilient olive trees in Puglia.
Feb. 29, 2024
Authorities Identify Xylella Strain Infecting Vines, Almonds in Puglia
The new variant was detected in a region already severely affected by Xylella fastidiosa pauca.
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.
Mar. 6, 2024
Xylella May Not Be Responsible for Olive Tree Devastation in Puglia, Study Finds
The findings could unravel a decade of policy and understanding that Xylella fastidiosa was the leading cause of Olive Quick Decline Syndrome in Puglia.
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.
Feb. 20, 2024
Balearic Islands Tighten Restrictions as Xylella Spreads in Mallorca
The strain of Xylella fastidiosa responsible for Olive Quick Decline Syndrome was identified in other plants in Mallorca.
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.
Jul. 15, 2024
Xylella Fastidiosa Identified in Extremadura
Extremadura joins the Balearic Islands and the Community of Valencia as the Spanish regions with active Xylella infestations.