The John Innes Centre has put out a call for members of the public across the United Kingdom to report any sightings of frothy blobs of cuckoo spit spotted on plants. The research team has requested information on where the patches are spotted as well as the kind of plants they are on.
The Spittlebug Survey is part of the UK’s greater effort to keep Xylella fastidiosa out of the country. Earlier this week the government announced a tightening of rules on olive tree imports.
Although the UK has remained Xylella-free, the deadly disease has wiped out olive groves in southern Italy and spread across Europe.
The frothy blobs which usually appear on plants from late April until late June help scientists learn when and where spittlebugs are emerging. The data could aid in combatting the spread of the deadly plant disease.
While the spittlebugs which emerge from the froth are in themselves harmless, they are known to be capable of spreading Xylella from plant to plant.
Xylella can infect over 550 species across 70 plant families with symptoms including leaf scorch, wilt and die-back. The disease often proves fatal for infected trees and there is currently no known cure.
In 2019, the UK’s Spittlebug Spies provided scientists with a wealth of new data when over 11,000 sightings of the spittlebug were reported.
Related Articles
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.
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.
Feb. 8, 2024
39 Complete Sommelier Certification Program in London
Olive oil professionals and enthusiasts completed a hands-on sensory analysis program, mastering the nuances of production and quality evaluation to elevate their careers and launch new initiatives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.