Filippo Berio has announced plans to partner with the Italian National Research Council on a three-year research project in which they aim to improve understanding of Xylella fastidiosa.
Under the initiative, 70 hectares of Filippo Berio’s Tuscan olive groves located between Lucca and Pisa will be transformed into an “open-air laboratory.” The plans include the cultivation of Tuscan olive trees which have shown greater resistance to Xylella than other varieties.
Scientists will also monitor sap-sucking spittlebugs which are known to spread the deadly disease and surround the olive trees with a species of grass that is known to repel the spittlebug.
The researchers will also determine the most effective soil and plant management systems in a quest to improve olive cultivation in Italy.
Since 2013, Xylella fastidiosa has desecrated olive groves in Italy’s Puglia region, rampaged across the country and decimated crops in Spain, France, Portugal and Israel.
The Italian government has faced criticism for not doing enough in the fight against Xylella although, toward the end of last year, Teresa Bellanova, Italy’s agriculture minister pledged funds and resources to stem the spread of the disease and assist the economy in regions most affected by the pathogen.
Although there is no known cure for Xylella, earlier this month Olive Oil Times reported that a new treatment for infected trees appeared to be effective.
Related Articles
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.