This week Italian forestry officials began cutting down infected olive trees in the Salento region of Apulia (Puglia). The infection of over 74,000 acres of olive groves in this region of South Italy has been blamed on the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, spread by insects.
The destruction of the trees follows a controversial proposal by the European Commission recommending the cutting down of 11 million olive trees in the region to contain the spread of the deadly bacterium.
On Monday the first seven trees were chopped down and burned in Oria, near Brindisi, amid protests by opponents who attempted to stop the destruction of the trees by climbing their branches and shouting “assassins!”. Some of the region’s olive trees are believed to be over 500 years old.
Opponents to the drastic measures say that chopping down the trees will not contain the outbreak while experts maintain that the infection cannot be eradicated without killing the infected plant.
See Also:Complete Coverage of the Xylella Outbreak in Apulia
In response to fears of contamination to other countries of the EU, and in the absence of a consensus on the EU-wide measures to be taken, France recently announced a ban on the import of vegetables and plants from Apulia.
Related Articles
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.
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.
May. 14, 2024
Innovation and Sustainability Yield Winning Results for GangaLupo
Teamwork, the responsible use of resources and innovation underpin the success of the Apulian Coratina monovarietal.
Nov. 14, 2024
Italian Growers Face Disappointing Yields
In northern and central Italy, many producers are seeing below-average oil yields. In the south, yields are normal but there's far less fruit.
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.
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.
Aug. 9, 2024
Italy’s Severe Drought Damages Olive Trees Ahead of Harvest
The country's major olive-growing regions are hit by heatwaves and drought. Production is anticipated to fall to historic lows.