BIOVEXO Cluster Webinar Re-Visited:
Tackling Xylella and Boosting Plant Health: Highlights from the BIOVEXO Cluster Webinar
A Collaborative Effort Against a Growing Threat
On Wednesday, 16th July 2025, a vital online event brought together some of Europe’s most forward-thinking researchers and practitioners in plant health. Organised by the EU-funded BIOVEXO project, the Cluster Webinar on “Innovative Microbial Solutions for Plant Health: Development, Field Application, and Regulatory Integration” was more than just a scientific exchange – it was a call to action.
Joined by the sister projects BeXyl, NextGenBioPest, and Life Resilience, the webinar focused on the urgent need for sustainable, effective solutions to combat plant pathogens, with a particular spotlight on the deadly Xylella fastidiosa bacterium.
Xylella fastidiosa: A Crisis for Farmers and Ecosystems
Xylella fastidiosa is no ordinary threat. First detected in Europe in 2013, this bacterium has rapidly spread through olive orchards in southern Europe, devastating crops and economies alike. Entire groves of century-old olive trees, symbols of regional identity and cornerstones of local agriculture, have succumbed to the disease.
Beyond the environmental and cultural loss, the economic impact has been staggering, with hundreds of thousands of jobs in the olive industry at risk or already lost. Farmers, rural communities, and regional ecosystems are under immense pressure, and an urgent response is needed.
A Timely Overview and Urgent Call for Action
The Cluster Webinar opened with a compelling update on the current status of Xylella’s spread. This overview served as a sobering reminder of how much is at stake and how quickly the situation is evolving.
While the outlook is serious, the message was clear: innovative microbial solutions offer real hope, and collaborative, cross-sector action can help contain and eventually overcome this crisis.
Spotlight on Innovative Projects: Science in Action
Each of the participating projects – BIOVEXO, BeXyl, NextGenBioPest, and Life Resilience – shared exciting advances in the development and application of microbial solutions for plant health. Their presentations demonstrated the breadth of approaches being tested, from lab innovations to field trials and pilot programs in real agricultural settings.
These projects are not working in isolation. They’re collaborating with farmers, policymakers, and regulators to ensure that scientific discoveries translate into practical, scalable solutions.
The BIOVEXO Project: Can We Still Find Solutions to Protect Plants Against Xylella and its Vector?
Mr. Stéphane Compant from the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Scientific Coordinator of the BIOVEXO project presented the latest results and progress, focusing on its field applications and scientific breakthroughs. He explained how the project’s tightly connected Work Packages support the development and testing of innovative microbial biopesticides to combat Xylella fastidiosa, one of the most threatening plant pathogens in Europe.
A significant part of the presentation focused on these field trials, which are currently taking place in Apulia (Italy), Alicante (Spain), and the Balearic Islands. Designed to test biopesticides under realistic conditions, these trials have already begun to yield encouraging results. These results were further elaborated on later during the panel discussion by Mr. Pasquale Saldarelli, leader of the field trial Work Package.
One of the most notable findings presented was the performance of “X-biopesticide 1,” which has been shown to reduce the progression of Xylella symptoms by 46.5%. Another promising formulation, known as PSJN, has demonstrated the ability to delay symptoms in young plants, enhance stomatal conductance, and stimulate plant immunity and growth-related genes – particularly evident in trials conducted in Puglia, though less so in Mallorca.
In addition, an onion-based extract improved plant vigour and stomatal function, albeit without reducing visible symptoms. A separate biopesticide (V-biopesticide) has shown effectiveness in reducing populations of Philaenus spumarius, the primary insect vector of Xylella.
While no products are commercially available yet, the data gathered so far provide a strong foundation for future solutions. These findings mark a significant step toward sustainable, nature-based strategies for managing plant health in the face of one of agriculture’s most urgent challenges.
You can watch the full presentation, along with the complete webinar and panel discussion, by clicking the link below. The BIOVEXO presentation by Mr. Stephané Compant can be watched at 6min 38sec.
The BeXyl Project: Beyond Xylella, Integrated Management Strategies for Mitigating Xylella fastidiosa impact in Europe
Mrs. Blanca Landa, Project Coordinator of the BeXyl project, gave a compelling overview of BeXyl’s efforts to tackle Xylella fastidiosa. BeXyl’s ultimate goal is to strengthen Europe’s preparedness and response by developing and implementing tailored Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. These strategies aim not only to manage current outbreaks but also to help prevent future introductions – ensuring long-term productivity and sustainability across affected sectors.
Mrs. Landa emphasized that Xylella fastidiosa remains the EU’s top priority plant pest. Since its initial outbreak in 2013, several Horizon 2020 projects have been launched to understand and combat the bacterium. BeXyl builds upon the outcomes of these earlier initiatives, continuing vital research and contributing to shaping more effective EU-level policies. She pointed out how previous scientific findings have already influenced regulatory decisions, demonstrating the real-world impact of research on public policy.
A significant contribution of BeXyl has been to the ongoing efforts by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to revise its scientific opinion on Xylella. This reflects the project’s critical role in supporting science-based policymaking.
Throughout her presentation, Mrs. Landa highlighted the importance of international collaboration and a multi-actor approach. Effective response to Xylella, she argued, depends on coordinated action between researchers, policymakers, farmers, nurseries, plant producers, and industry stakeholders. BeXyl exemplifies this model, involving over 45 partners across various sectors and countries.
Visual slides presented during her talk illustrated Europe’s evolving response to Xylella, global cooperation efforts, and the broad network of actors working together under BeXyl. Together, these elements show that tackling Xylella fastidiosa is not just a scientific challenge – but a collective one requiring shared knowledge, strategy, and long-term commitment.
To view the entire webinar, including all project presentations and the engaging panel discussion, follow the link provided below. The BeXyl presentation by Mrs. Blanca Landa can be watched at 24min 25sec.
The NextGenBioPest Project: Innovative Microbial Solutions for Plant Health
Mrs. Angeliki Milioti, Dissemination and Exploitation Manager for the NextGenBioPest project, opened her presentation with an introduction to SmartAgroHub – a dynamic spin-off from the Agricultural University of Athens and the host of the NextGenBioPest initiative. Established in 2021, SmartAgroHub is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, offering smart farming tools, sustainability consulting, and access to state-of-the-art experimentation facilities. With over 20 employees and participation in more than 20 research projects, the organization plays a vital role in driving innovation in sustainable agriculture.
She then introduced the NextGenBioPest project itself, a Horizon 2020-funded initiative backed by over €5.8 million and running from March 2024 to February 2028. Coordinated by the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), the project brings together a diverse consortium of 24 partners from 11 different countries, each contributing to the development of next-generation pest control solutions.
Mrs. Milioti outlined the project’s core objectives, which are as ambitious as they are timely. NextGenBioPest aims to create a collaborative platform to identify the needs and expectations of stakeholders, support improved plant protection practices, and advance environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Central to the project are cutting-edge innovations such as automated molecular diagnostics platforms that allow for faster and more accurate detection of pests and pathogens in the field.
Another major focus is the development of new biological control agents and RNA-based biopesticides designed to be both effective and environmentally sustainable. These novel tools have the potential to significantly enhance pest management efficacy while reducing reliance on traditional chemical pesticides.
In essence, NextGenBioPest is working to redefine how Europe protects its crops – through smart, science-driven, and eco-conscious solutions that align with the future of sustainable agriculture.
If you wish to hear more about the presentation of the webinar, please access the full webinar in this blog.
The full recording of the webinar, including all presentations and the panel discussion, is available at the link below. The NextGenBioPest presentation by Mrs. Angeliki Milioti can be watched at 38min 43sec.
The Life Resilience Project: Soil, Biodiversity and Microorganisms
Mr. Vasco Abreu, Commercial Director at Nutriprado, delivered a powerful presentation on the far-reaching threat posed by Xylella fastidiosa, especially in relation to the olive industry. He emphasized the severity of Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS), which leads to the rapid dieback of olive trees and poses a significant risk not only to agricultural production but also to rural communities and cultural landscapes across the Mediterranean.
Mr. Abreu outlined the scope of the project, which brought together nine partners and ran from July 2018 to June 2022. The project focused on creating a more resilient and sustainable production model capable of withstanding the spread and impact of Xylella fastidiosa.
A key strategy involved the development of new, resistant olive genotypes through the evaluation and crossing of existing varieties. These genotypes offer a promising alternative for growers in high-risk areas and are expected to produce olive oils with unique quality and sensory characteristics, thereby adding value and boosting market competitiveness.
In parallel, the project aimed to establish best practice models for the sustainable cultivation of woody crops such as olive, almond, citrus, and grapevine – crops that are all vulnerable to climate change and emerging pests. Field trials covering 250 hectares in Spain, Italy, and Portugal tested sustainable farming techniques designed to enhance biodiversity, lower water use, reduce the carbon footprint, and minimize pest and disease outbreaks – all without sacrificing productivity.
Mr. Abreu highlighted that the project’s success lay in its collaborative, transnational, and multidisciplinary approach. By involving a wide range of stakeholders – from farmers and researchers to policymakers – the project delivered actionable strategies for preventing the spread of Xylella fastidiosa and aligning olive and almond cultivation with EU environmental goals.
For those interested in the full content, the complete webinar – featuring every project presentation and the final panel discussion – is accessible via the link below. The Life Resilience presentation by Mr. Vasco Abreu can be watched at 49min 07sec.
A Fruitful Panel Discussion: Bridging Science, Policy, and Practice
Following the presentations, the webinar transitioned into a dynamic panel discussion that brought all speakers together to exchange ideas and reflect on shared challenges and opportunities.
A recurring theme was the need for better regulatory integration. Scientific breakthroughs are encouraging, but bringing them to the field requires streamlined approval processes and supportive policy frameworks. Without this, even the most promising biocontrol agents risk being left on the shelf.
Farmers as Partners, Not Just End Users
The panel also stressed the critical importance of engaging farmers as co-developers of microbial solutions. Success in the lab means little if it doesn’t work on the ground. Usability, cost, and trust are essential – and that means involving the farming community at every stage.
Speakers highlighted ongoing efforts to test solutions in real-world settings, gather farmer feedback, and adapt approaches accordingly. This co-creation model is key to building long-term resilience and widespread adoption.
Preparing for a Changing Climate
Another critical point raised during the discussion was the accelerating impact of climate change on pest and disease pressure. As weather patterns shift, new threats emerge – and old ones, like Xylella, become even harder to manage.
Microbial solutions offer a promising pathway not just for today’s problems, but also as part of a broader strategy to future-proof European agriculture against emerging challenges.
A Collective Commitment to Plant Health
This Cluster Webinar was a powerful reminder that the fight against Xylella and other plant pathogens is not just about crops – it’s about communities, cultures, and the climate. The EU-funded projects showcased during the event demonstrate that with innovation, collaboration, and policy alignment, we can chart a better path forward.
Stay tuned for the full recording and project summaries, and join the effort to protect Europe’s plant health – today and for generations to come.
Watch the Full Webinar Recording
For those who missed the live session—or would like to revisit the presentations and panel discussion—a full recording of the webinar is available below.
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