Following the recent epidemic of Xylella fastidiosa in the Apulia region of south Italy which affected several thousands hectares of olive plantations, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has warned that the bacterium could spread to olive groves across Europe.
A recent study published by the EFSA’s Panel on Plant Health, has examined the risk to plant health posed by Xylella fastidiosa across the European Union (EU) and identified various risk reduction options. The bacterium is carried by insects and causes a variety of diseases in many different types of plants.
At the moment, only one strain of Xylella fastidiosa is prevalent in Europe and is restricted to the Apulia region where it is under control. But the study warns that the bacterium could spread to other countries in the EU and cause significant crop damage and loss. Pests carrying Xylella fastidiosa can survive during transport and be present in plants grown in nurseries for replanting elsewhere.
While the use of insecticides could control its spread, the study says that this can impact negatively on the environment. Approaches to controlling the problem suggested focus on prevention and the containment of outbreaks which would include measures like pest-free production sites, surveillance, certification schemes to certify that plants are free of Xylella fastidiosa, screen house production, control of insects, testing for plant propagation material, and adequate preparation, treatment and inspection of plant consignments.
Related Articles
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.