Xyella fastidiosa (Xf), the dreaded olive tree killer, has hit the French island Corsica. Positive cases have been identified in Myrtle-leaf Milkwort plants in Propiano South Corsica and confirmed by France’s Ministry of Agriculture.
See Also:Complete coverage of the Xf outbreak
The prefecture of Corse Sud (South Corsica) has started an emergency plan to uproot trees and disinfect the whole area and amid fears that a situation similar to that in neighbouring Puglia Italy might arise on the island.
Today, the island boasts 7,000 hectares of olive groves, a worrying thought for Corsica if the disease spreads to the north of the island. Olive trees have grown here for thousands of years and picking olives is an old tradition for the people of Corsica who see the olive tree as a tree of life.
Mainland France is also in danger should the dreaded disease spreads, as up until now the only solution is to uproot the trees. France boasts four million olive trees and produced an estimated 5,000 tons of olive oil in 2013/2014.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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.
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.
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.