There were several significant developments in 2020 around Xylella fastidiosa. Some positive, but some also negative in nature.

Take a look at our list of the top 7 things that happened with Xylella fastidiosa in 2020.

Caption: Olive field | Image credits ©Shutterstock

If you haven’t heard of Xylella fastidiosa, make sure to check out these articles:

• what is Xylella fastidiosa?
• what are the symptoms of Xylella?
• what is the impact of Xylella?
• why is Xylella fastidiosa so dangerous?

Top 7 things that happened with Xylella fastidiosa in 2020

1. Xylella fastidiosa found in Occitanie

Caption: Xylella infected olive trees | Image credits ©Shutterstock

The so-called ‘olive killer’ has been been found in Occitanie, France for the very first time. It was confirmed in August 2020 by the regional plant protection services of the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food in a lavender sample (Lavandulax intermedia – grosso variety).

In essence, Xylella has been confirmed in an establishment ”that produces and sells ornamental plants to individuals”, as shared by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

For more information about the identification of Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie, click right here.

2. New EU legislation released on Xylella

Caption: Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie – 2.5 km containment zone around Trèbes at 7km from Carcassonne| Image credits ©Préfet de la région Occitanie

One of the most significant developments in 2020 was the update in the EU regulation concerning measures against Xylella fastidiosa.

The European Commission decided to repeal Decision (EU) 2015/789 and introduce new measures under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1201. In short, the EU has shrunk the infection zones (from 100 meter radius to 50 meters) and buffer zones.

To learn more, click on the above-mentioned regulations.

3. Andalusia is declared Xylella-free

Caption: Olive field | Image credits ©Shutterstock

The region of Andalusia in Spain has been officially declared as a Xylella-free area in 2020. Xylella fastidiosa was first detected in Andalusia back in 2018. Positive samples were identified on ornamental plants in El Ejido.

After implementing strict measures as well as surveillance actions, Xylella fastidiosa has been eliminated from Andalusia.

4. New Xylella fastidiosa research projects launched

Caption: BIOVEXO partners| Image credits ©DOMCA SA

The BIOVEXO project, an EU research project dedicated to finding solutions to the challenges experienced with Xylella, officially started in May 2020 and is made up of an 11-partner consortium.

It is one of the few EU initiatives to help tackle Xylella fastidiosa. Click here to learn more about BIOVEXO’s research plan.

5. Significant output drop in Italy

Caption: Harvested olives | Image credits ©Shutterstock

As reported by The Guardian, Italian olive oil sales experienced a significant loss of 26% as compared t0 2019. This drop in output was caused by the destruction of olive trees caused by Xylella fastidiosa in southern Italy.

If Xylella keeps on its current path of destruction, more economic loss can be expected in the near future.

6. UK tightens rule on imports

Caption: Young olive tree | Image credits ©AIMERIT SL

In 2020, the U.K.’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, otherwise known as DEFRA, introduced strict rules on imported plants in fears over the EU legislation not being sufficient to prevent further spread of Xylella.

The revised national regulation even prohibits the import of certain plants in fear of possible high infection rate. Click here for more information.

7. More plant species added to Xylella host list

Caption: infected plant | Image credits ©Shutterstock

In 2020, 37  new plant species were officially added to the Xylella host list. This has brought the total up to an alarming 595 plant species which can host the deadly pathogen. Hopefully, this number doesn’t not increase in 2021.

what’s to come in 2021

Last but not least, there are signs of good news to come in 2021. Just check out this video where researchers are experiencing hope for the first time against Xylella, as branches are slowly showing signs of revival.

Are there any more news about Xylella fastidiosa which you consider worth of adding into this list? Please let us know in the comments section below!

Image credits: © Dr. Pasquale Saldarelli – CNR

What is Xylella fastidiosa?

In short, Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen which is transmitted by xylem feeding pests such as Philaenus spummarius (commonly known as the spittlebug). Once the insect starts feeding off the xylem fluid (plant sap), the plant gets infected from the bacterium transmitted by the insect and from there everything starts spiralling downwards. Subsequently, what happens next is that the plant starts to die from inside out, as if it was drying itself or starving itself from within.

This is what initially causes the plants to wilt and lose their vigour once the plant is infected. After some time, the plant starts to showcase severe symptoms which eventually lead to plant death. It is always just a matter of time.

This is exactly what makes this pathogen so dangerous. It keeps spreading and there is no cure. Once the plant is infected, it’s game over for the plant. Hence, finding a cure for Xyllela fastidiosa has never been more important. It is so important, that it has been added to the list of EU’s top 20 priority pests.

7 reasons why Xylella fastidiosa is so dangerous

1. There is no cure for Xylella fastidiosa

Image credits: © Shutterstock

No. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, there is also no cure for Xylella fastidiosa. Not yet anyways. Since there is no cure, it has caused extreme devastation in southern Europe, especially in Apulia (Italy). Centennial trees have been completely destroyed. Newly infected regions unfortunately share the same fate unless EU science finds a cure!

Hence recognising the threat of Xylella fastidiosa is extremely important if we want to sustain our future and achieve a green recovery of Europe.

2.  Symptoms are misleading

Image credits: © Shutterstock

Xylella fastidiosa symptoms are known to be quite misleading. Oftentimes, people misidentify the symptoms for classic cases of plant dehydration or simply think that the plant has had too much sun. Nevertheless, leaf scorching and wilting is just the beginning. These mild signs of the infection often lead to more severe symptoms such as dieback and leaf abscission.

That’s when you’ll know that the pathogen has really kicked in and that there is no turning back. The nutrient flow of the plant becomes completely blocked and the plant starts to die slowly from within.

If you suspect that your plant may have Xylella fastidiosa, you will need to make a test. Even mild symptoms can be early signs of something more severe!

3. Almost 600 types of plants are at risk

Image credits: © AIMERIT SL

Not all plants are affected by Xylella fastidiosa. However, there are almost 600 species of plants which are at risk of being infected with Xylella fastidiosa or being potential hosts. These types of plants include a variety of olive trees, lavender, oleander, ash, and many more. That’s what makes Xylella so dangerous as it affects a variety of plants.

Luckily, there is a database which identifies species of plants which host Xylella fastidiosa. Click here to view the database, especially if you suspect that your plant may have Xylella. It is best to first identify whether the plant even belongs to the species list before panicking. If it does, you will need to alert your local plant health authorities so that they can conduct appropriate tests to determine whether your plant has been infected or not.

4. Infections spread fast across Europe

Image credits: © Shutterstock

Xylella infections spread fast. Xylella fastidiosa was first identified in Italy, most notably in the southern region of Apulia. Since 2013, it was found in Portugal, Spain, France and even in Germany (although it has since been eradicated). Just recently, Xylella fastidiosa has been reported in Occitanie for the first time, proving that the infection is still spreading at a fast rate.

In fact, Xylella fastidiosa spreads approximately 2 km per month in the infected region. For this reason, new legislative measures were put in place by the European Commission as means of controlling the quick rate of new infections.

5. EU measures introduced to contain the infections

Caption: Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie – 2.5 km containment zone around Trèbes at 7km from Carcassonne| Image credits ©Préfet de la région Occitanie

The fact that the European Commission introduced EU regulations to prevent the introduction and spread of Xylella fastidiosa is evidence that Xylella is very dangerous to Europe. Places where Xylella have been found must undergo a containment zone, in compliance with EU Regulation 2020/1201.

Infected plants must be uprooted or destroyed by means of burning them. Now take a moment to imagine a farmer having to intentionally destroy a magnificent 1,500 year old olive tree.

6. Negative effects on the economy

Image credits: © Shutterstock

Xylella fastiodosa has severe agro-economic repercussions in the region where infections are borne. Just this year, the production of olive oil decreased by a staggering 26% in Italy as compared to 2019 due to Xylella, as stated by The Guardian.

On top of that, thousands of jobs have been lost on the account of farms and nurseries being abandoned.

As the number of new Xylella fastidiosa infections grow in the Mediterranean region, the amount of olive oil produced is expected to decline more.

7. Priority amongst EU science & research

Image credits: © Shutterstock

As regards sustaining and protecting global plant health, Xylella fastidiosa has been identified as one of the top 20 priority pests by the European Commission. This showcases the severity of the pathogen.

In response to the Xylella outbreak, the European Commission funded multiple actions to combat the problem of Xylella fastidiosa. These include projects such as XF Actors, COST, PonTe, CURE XF, Life Resilience and BIOVEXO.

BIOVEXO Project

BIOVEXO is an EU-funded innovation action, which demonstrates a set of novel biopesticides for curative and preventive cases for Xylella fastidiosa and its vector. The consortium will test a set of six candidate solutions.

What are your thoughts on Xylella fastidiosa?

Do you think EU science will find a solution to this dangerous problem soon? Let us know in the comments section below.

Image credits: © Agrobiznis 2020

The aim of the conference was to demonstrate the technological modernization of agriculture in Europe across the entire industrial chain. There were up to 100 participants (viewers), including key industrial experts, policy stakeholders, SME representatives, honoured guests and more.

BIOVEXO Project

The BIOVEXO project participated as a finalist in the first part of the 5th Agribusiness conference on new technologies in agriculture – the Agribusiness high-tech competition. The competition included four categories for best practices in the field of new technologies in agriculture. These included:

• the best provider of new technologies in agriculture and food processing industry
• the best user of new technologies in agriculture and food processing industry
• the best idea in the field of new technologies in agriculture and food processing industry
• the best project, innovation, idea or business model involving elements of circular agriculture

Image credits: © Agrobiznis 2020

After extensive evaluation, the BIOVEXO project was selected as the winner of the ‘best idea in the field of new technologies in agriculture and food processing industry’ category.

The five criteria evaluated by the commission of experts for winning this category included:

• originality and innovation
• efficiency and positive impact on the environment
• usability and accessibility
• importance and suitability for Slovenian agriculture
• economic efficiency of the solution

Image credits: © Agrobiznis 2020

After the announcement was made, senior R&D Manager Martin Kavšček from ACIES Bio held a Q&A session detailing the objectives and impact of the BIOVEXO project. Kavšček emphasized that there is an ”urgent need for the development of biopesticides to tackle Xylella fastidiosa, as the pathogen keeps spreading in Italy and Spain”. Moreover, the negative impacts of the dangerous pathogen Xylella fastidiosa were explained.

The DEC leader of the BIOVEXO project, Magdalena Kovacova from the RTDS Group, commented that ”the consortium couldn’t be more proud of ACIES Bio’s participation and win on behalf of the BIOVEXO project at the Agribusiness high-tech competition. The partners are ecstatic that efforts towards the development of innovative biopesticides are recognized by key industrial stakeholders and we hope to share some exciting news in the future!”

BIOVEXO & Farm2Fork priorities

The Farm2Fork strategy is at the heart of the EU Green Deal. The BIOVEXO project is committed in addressing the objectives laid down by the Farm2Fork Strategy.

The Farm2Fork Strategy aims to reduce the overall use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by the year 2030. It outlines steps as regards to paving the way towards alternative methods. Moreover, it addresses the fact, that, the European Commission will revise the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive in the near future. It will include additional provisions on integrated pest management (IPM) as well as promote the use of alternative methods of protecting harvests from diseases and dangerous pest outbreaks (Farm To Fork Strategy, 2020).

The BIOVEXO project demonstrates six candidate solutions, as alternative means to chemical pesticides, to combat the Xylella fastidiosa pathogen. Following extensive field-trials and validations, top performing candidate solutions will be up-scaled for market introduction.

additional information

To learn more about the 5th Agribusiness conference on new technologies in agriculture, the agribusiness high-tech competition and the Farm2Fork hackathon , watch the full event below.

Image credits: © Agrobiznis 2020

The BIOVEXO project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (JU) under grant agreement No 887281. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and the Bio Based Industries Consortium.

To learn more about the BIOVEXO project and the research plan, click here.

Don’t miss out on the latest updates and follow the BIOVEXO project on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Now that Xylella is making headlines all over the world, there is this one question which still baffles all. Scientists, academics, researchers, the general public and even journalists. This question is in fact one of the most searched online phrases regarding the topic of Xylella. Yes, believe it or not it is indeed – how to pronounce Xylella?

Although, it is a peculiar item to be searching for considering the fact that Xylella fastidiosa is destroying EU agriculture and causing severe regional problems in southern Europe. Nonetheless, it is a valid question. Let’s explore it together!

For those of you who don’t know about Xylella,  here are a few questions which can help you gain a better understanding:

• what is Xylella fastidiosa?
• what are the symptoms of Xylella?
• what is the impact of Xylella?
• where has Xylella been found recently?

How to pronounce Xylella fastidiosa?

It is no surprise that even we (BIOVEXO partners) came across this question of how to pronounce Xylella. In fact, we had several discussions on the matter and every time we came towards a different conclusion.

The number of answers seemed endless. For this reason, we had a little fun during our 2nd Consortium Meeting (see above) and decided that we would like to make a video. The intent behind it was to see just how many pronunciations we could come up with. Our diverse consortium of 11 partners didn’t disappoint. Every single partner had a different approach to pronouncing Xylella correctly.

This baffled us even further as to determining which pronunciation was correct.

We are sure this is also the case if you are involved in multi-national projects or if you work for international research institutes. Hence, it is also probably why you are looking for the correct answer.

©Copyright BIOVEXO – Consortium members (Group screenshot from the 2nd Consortium Meeting).

Xylella fastidiosa how to pronounce?

The fact of the matter is, that there are multiple ways you can pronounce Xylella correctly. It is because every language has its own spin on it. This is most likely the reason why you’ve heard a million versions and you’ve been wondering which one is the right one. In short, they all are.

To sum up and make things a little easier, we found three correct (and most common) ways how to pronounce Xylella, whether it be in English, Spanish and French.

how to say Xylella in English

©Copyright Google Translate

This is the most common way to pronounce Xylella. Use this one in international environments and you’ll be good to go.

how to say Xylella in Spanish

©Copyright Google Translate

This is the second most popular method of pronouncing Xylella. If you visit Spanish speaking countries or you have Spanish speaking colleagues, you will definitely come across this version.

how to say Xylella in French

©Copyright Google Translate

This version is also works in Italian.

how to pronounce Xylella?

We hope that this video helped and NOW you too know how to pronounce Xylella. The truth of the matter is, that there is no correct answer. Depending on regionality and language, the pronunciation of Xylella will change.

Handy tip: If you are dealing with international stakeholders, just stick with the English version. However, if you have a meeting in Spain (a region where the Xylella outbreak is out of control), then perhaps stick to the Spanish version.

If in doubt, show your colleagues this article and hopefully it will clear things up.

To learn more about the BIOVEXO project and Xylella fastidosa, take a look at the official page of the European Commission dealing with plant health and biosecurity.

Caption: Xyllela infected olive trees | Image credits ©Shutterstock

Southern France is known for its vivacious culture, food, wine and its breath-taking views at every corner. The region of Occitanie in particular is famous for its spectacular lavender fields, landscapes and medieval towns. Today, however, the region of Occitanie is making other, more disturbing headlines. The dangerous plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa has been found for the very first time in this region. Without a doubt, Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie can cause severe consequences putting at risk entire ecosystems, the agro-tourism industry, historical landscapes and other plants. This is especially the case for lavender fields and olive trees, which contribute significantly to the region’s cultural heritage and economic prosperity.

For those in the know, Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie means only one thing – disaster ahead! If you haven’t heard of Xylella or you are unaware of its devastating impact, take a look at the top 7 reasons why you should about the threat of Xylella fastidiosa.

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial plant pathogen which is transmitted by pests such as spittle bugs. These spittle bugs feed off the xylem of the plant. Once they start feeding, they infect the plant and ultimately the flow of water transported in the xylem vessels is blocked. Then the typical symptoms of Xylella infection follow. These include die-back, discolouration of leaves, abscission of leaves and fruit, and many more. Eventually, these symptoms lead to plant death, as there is no cure for Xylella.

 Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie

Until August 2020, the region of Occitanie was Xylella-free. However, a positive lavender sample taken by end of August 2020 confirmed the region’s worst nightmare: the presence of Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie. The outcomes of this routine inspection were confirmed by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food in a statement released on the 4th of September 2020.

Caption: Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie – infected zone| Image credits ©Préfet de la région Occitanie

The contamination has been identified on a lavender sample (Lavandulax intermedia – grosso variety) at an establishment ”that produces and sells ornamental plants to individuals”, as stated by the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Although Xylella doesn’t present any risks to humans, it is a danger to plants and regional biodiversity. An investigation is currently being conducted to trace the origin of the plant pathogen and to understand how it found its way to Occitanie.

Ministry response to Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie

In response to Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food put compulsory measures in place, in compliance with the provisions set forth by the European Regulation (EU) 2020/1201.

As stated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food: ”…immediate precautionary measures were taken, including stopping all marketing of plants from this establishment, while phytosanitary treatment was applied to the entire site. A perimeter of a radius of 2.5 kilometres around the site has been established in order to prevent any spread of the disease by means of surveillance and grubbing up”.

Caption: Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie – 2.5 km containment zone around Trèbes at 7km from Carcassonne| Image credits ©Préfet de la région Occitanie

Moreover, in order to deal with Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie as quickly as possible, all plants in the infected area will be also uprooted in the coming days.

You can find the full statement from the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food (in French), click here.

Where is Occitanie?

Occitanie is a well-known region in the southern part of France. It is also called Occitània, Occitany or Occitania. It is the second largest region in France, covering approximately 72,724 km2.

Caption: Map of France | Image credits ©2020 GeoBasis-DE/BKG Google Maps

How to recognise Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie

In order to recognise Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie and France in general, you will need to familiarise yourself with the top 9 symptoms of Xyllela fastidiosa. Since Xylella was dicovered in a lavender sample, let’s focus on lavender.

In lavender, you can find symptoms such as scorching, die-back as well as leaf discolouration. Take a look at the image below for examples of these symptoms on lavender species. Also, when you investigate your lavender, consider also symptoms from the following: nutrient imbalance, drought, frost, hot temperatures, rot or stem damage.

Caption: Lavender fields in southern France| Image credits ©Donato Boscia, CNR – Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, UOS, Bari (IT); ©Dirección General de Agricultura y Ganadería – Govern Balear / Serveis de Millora Agrària – Govern Balear; “diseased” Agnès Poirier, NPPO France ©Teagasc.ie

Are you showcasing any of the above-mentioned symptoms? Let us know in the comments section below!

Xylella fastidiosa in France

Even though Xylella fastidiosa in Occitanie is quite a rare occasion, it is not the first time Xylella has been reported in France. It was first detected in 2015 in the regions of Corsica and Provence-Alpes Côte d´Azur. ”Since the first outbreak in 2015, nearly 50,000 samples have been taken and analyzed, 2.8 per cent of which were positive”, says the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

In Corsica, the Xylella fastidiosa subspecies multiplex has been confirmed on ornamental plants such as lavender, rosemary, polygala myrtifolia, olives and almond trees. Since December 2017, the entire island of Corsica is now considered an infected zone. Eradication of Xylella is considered as no longer possible, until a cure is discovered.

In Provence-Alpes Côte d´Azur, there has been only one isolated outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca.

Caption: Symptoms of Xylella | Image credits ©AIMERIT SL

Where did Xylella come from?

This is exactly what the Ministry of Agriculture and Food is trying to determine. In essence, it could be that the origin of the infection came from imported plants. Recently, imported decorative or ornamental plants pose the highest risk to Xylella in France.

How does Xylella fastidiosa spread?

Xylella is spread in two ways. First and foremost, Xylella fastidiosa is spread by Xylem-feeding bugs. The infection is then spread through the insect vector. The second way Xyllela is spread is through infected imported plants, as mentioned above. To learn more about how Xylella spreads, click here.

Stay tuned for more information on Xylella fastidiosa and EU efforts in finding a sustainable solution.

Don’t forget to follow us on all of our social media channels.

Xylella fastidiosa has been recently discovered in the southern parts of Europe, where it has caused severe devastation to olive orchards. Olive trees are ever more a victim to the olive quick decline syndrome caused by Xylella. Especially, in the regions of Apulia, Italy and southern Spain.

Caption: Uprooted olives infected by Xylella ©Shutterstock

There in particular, nurseries and farms were left with no choice but to destroy, in some cases, centuries-old Xylella infected olive trees, which had undeniable cultural heritage.

Since 2013, Xylella fastidiosa has been spreading to multiple regions of Europe, and now can be found in France, and Portugal.. Consequently, the threat of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe is on the rise!

Recognizing the high threat of Xylella

As Xylella fastidiosa is a relatively newly introduced plant pathogen in Europe, the general pubic is unaware of the eminent threat of Xylella fastidiosa. In some cases, symptoms of Xylella fastidiosahave even appeared in people’s gardens without any recognition or action being taken to prevent Xylella from spreading.

Symptoms are often mistaken for common signs of plant dehydration leading to further spread and damage. As a result, many people remain unaware of Xylella’s existence.

Caption: Symptoms of Xylella ©Shutterstock

Which plants can have Xylella?

If your plants are showcasing symptoms of Xylella, such as leaf scorching, dieback, leaf abscission or leaf discolouration, then here the first thing you have to do. First of all, cross-check whether or not your plant belongs to the EFSA global database on the Xylella host list. To date, there are almost 600 species of plants which can host this bacterial pathogen. Click here to view the database.

Once you confirm that your plant is indeed a potential host, please contact your local plant health authority.

7 reasons why you should care about the threat of Xylella

It is without question that, Xylella is a huge threat to global plant health. Most noteworthy, it has the potential to severely impact EU’s agriculture. Here are the top 7 reasons why you should care about the threat of Xylella.

1. The threat of Xylella is high

Just last week, it was announced by the French authorities, that Xylella fastidiosa has been found in southern France, Occitanie. It was discovered in a lavender sample during a routine inspection. The announcement from the French Ministry of Agriculture released in September (2020) confirmed that the threat of Xylella is not to be underestimated. Now, many fear that the famous lavender fields will be at Xylella’s mercy and will slowly start to disappear.

Moreover, the French agro-tourism is now at high risk of being exposed to massive socio-economic losses in this region. Just imagine, all those wonderful fields of lavender, slowly turning brown and dying out. Yes, this is the reality when it comes finding Xylella in your region.

Caption: Xylella infected olives ©Shutterstock

2. Xylella spreads rapidly

Xylella spreads via xylem feeding insects such as spittle bugs. The insects carry the bacteria and infect the plant when feeding (inserting  a stylet into the xylem). Since it is spread by the bugs, it is very hard to control the rate of its spread.

The EU has introduced new legislation as regards preventing Xylella from spreading by establishing carefully defined containment zones. However, even these containment zones sometimes are no match for Xylella as more and more cases are being reported across Europe.

Caption: Spittle bug ©Shutterstock

3. There is no cure

This is by far the most significant reason as to why you should care about the threat of Xylella. Unfortunately, there is no cure! Once your plant is infected, all you can do is wait until your plant dies. Some plants are even burned.

The symptoms are completely irreversible. Now, take a moment to imagine if an olive orchard (sometimes hectares large) gets infected. Row after row, you would see the slow deterioration of the olive trees. Regrettably, this is the case in Apulia (southern Italy) and Spain. EU scientists are therefore focusing their efforts to find a curative solution!

Caption: Jose G. Madero from DOMCA SA (Project Manger) ©DOMCA SA

4. Economic threat of Xylella

Just in the region of Apulia alone, the economic impact of Xylella is estimated to have caused €1.2 billion in damage. Moreover, more than 100,000 jobs have been lost in this region because olive oil production practically diminished in some farms.

So, further spread of Xylella meaning total economic devastation in all olive-growing areas in Europe. It is estimated that a total of €100,000 is lost per infected hectare of olive trees.

Caption: Olive Farm in Mallorca ©AIMERIT SL

5. Olive oil prices could go up

Do you love olive oil? Well, next time you take a spoonful of olive oil, consider the fact that prices are likely to go up due to losses in olive production. In Apulia, olive oil production collapsed by 65%-80%.

Caption: Harvested olives ©Shutterstock

6. Centuries-old trees are dead

Many olive trees are sometimes centuries-old. Some even live up to 1,000 years. Unfortunately, even these trees are not immune to the threat of Xylella.

Caption: Xylella infected region ©Shutterstock

7. Fires and abandonment of plantations

Due to the fact that infected regions need to be contained, this has led to the desertification of entire regions. What was once a thriving region becomes somewhat of an abandoned area. Some farmers even resist abandoning their plantations in the hopes of trying to save their trees – which is at this stage impossible.

Caption: Uprooted trees due to Xylella infection ©Shutterstock

Is Xylella a serious threat to Europe?

In short, the answer is yes. At this point, the threat of Xylella is very high. Nurseries, farmers and commercial partners need to be on high alert. In addition, the general public should also take care when it comes to monitoring the symptoms of Xylella in their garden. One never knows.

Addressing the threat of Xylella in Europe

The rise in Xylella cases has also led to the rise of a number of EU initiatives to combat the problem of Xylella in Europe, in order to introduce bio-based preventative and curative measures. These EU initiatives comprise a collaboration among scientists, farmers and other stakeholders to inform the general public on the threat of Xylella and help them understand the impact of this dangerous pathogen.

BIOVEXO is one of the latest EU initiatives. Other EU projects dedicated to research on Xylella include XFActors, POnTE, CureXF, LifeResilience and many more.

Caption: BIOVEXO Work Package – Task Force Meeting ©DOMCA SA

Global initiatives to address the threat of Xylella

Did you know that the United Nations General Assembly declared this year (2020) as the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH)? As such, the UN is taking measures to raise global awareness on protecting plant health, the environment and boosting economic development.

On a global scale, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO hereafter) estimates that about 40% of food crops are destroyed due to the presence of plant pests and plant diseases. This not only damages agriculture but also leaves millions of people without income and food.

Caption: IYPH 2020 ©FAO 

The FAO argues, that protective measures are far more cost effective than addressing ‘full plant health emergencies’. For this reason, the BIOVEXO project focuses strongly on preventive measures, in order to avoid the severe impact of pests and diseases. Click here to take action and raise awareness on plant health in your area.

Future threat of Xylella

Unfortunately, the threat of Xylella in the future is still very high. Solutions to cure the infections as well as prevent them are needed to reduce this threat. Stay informed with www.biovexo.eu.

Caption: Xylella infected olive tree ©Shutterstock

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What is Xylella fastidiosa?

Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterial plant pathogen which is transmitted by pests, more specifically xylem fluid feeding insects. The bacterium colonizes the Xylem vessels, leading to blocking of essential nutrients and water for plant health.  In essence, Xylella is a bacterium which infects plants and causes serious plant diseases.

These include the grapevine Pierce’s disease, plum leaf scald, olive quick decline syndrome, citrus variegated chlorosis, oleander leaf scorch and many more. Consequently, these diseases have a devastating impact on the economy, agriculture and the environment.

According to the European Food Safety Authority, there are a total of six most frequently reported species of Xylella. They are fastidiosa, pauca, sandyi, multiplex, tashke and morus.

 Xylella host list

Approximately 600 species of plants host the dangerous bacterial plant pathogen. For instance, Xylella can be found in:

• crop plants – grapevine, blueberry, plums, citrus trees, etc.
• stone fruit – olives, almonds, cherries, etc.
• ornamental plans – lavender, oleander, milkwort, rosemary, etc.
• native trees – ash, elm, oak, etc. 

In fact, the European Food Safety Authority added 37 new plant hosts to its Xylella host list in April 2020. Click here to view the entire Xylella plant host list.

Where did Xylella fastidiosa come from?

It is argued by some scientists, that Xylella infecting European plants originated in the American continent. Specifically, the Xylella pauca subspecies is believed to be native to South America, where it appeared first in coffee crops. 

How does Xylella fastidiosa spread?

Xylella fastidiosa is spread through insects such as spittlebugs, which feed on the contents of the xylem. Xylem is the network of tubes present within plants which carry nutrients and water from the root to the leaves and flowers. These insects (which carry the bacterium) then insert a stylet (thin probe) into the xylem. The bacterium then infects the plants and lives within the xylem plant tissues.

Next, Xylella fastidiosa will be carried to other species and plants as the insects will feed elsewhere. Hence, Xylella fastidiosa is spread through the insect vector.

However, Xylella fastidiosa can also be spread unintentionally through plant trade. For this reason, certain countries impose strict regulation in trading and importing plants, as means of controlling the spread.

Xylella fastidiosa symptoms

Symptoms of the Xylella infection range variously across different plant hosts. Depending on the level of bacterial inoculum, the plants can show case any of the following symptoms:

1. leaves scorching
2. discolouration of the leaves (leaves often turn yellow or brown)
3. stunting, reduced plant growth / height
4. wilting of leaves
5. premature leaf abscission
6. poor fruits (shriveled fruit)
7. premature fruit abscission 
8. dieback
9. plant death

The above-mentioned symptoms worsen over the summer months to autumn, where juvenile insects become adults and feed more on the xylem contents. Moreover, during these months, the plants can experience dry periods with limited water supply worsening the conditions of the infection.

Arguably, some species which host Xylella and are infected don’t show any signs of the infection.

Impact of Xylella fastidiosa

Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most dangerous pathogens which threaten the European agriculture industry in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.  

Since it has been identified in Italy and Spain in 2013, it has spread rapidly across Europe, oftentimes destroying entire orchards. In some regions a point of no return has been reached, where the disease continues to spread uncontrollably.

As a direct consequence, Xylella is projected to cause yield losses of 35% – 70% in olive harvests and 13% in almond harvests in the European Union.

One of the most impacted regions in Europe is the region of Apulia (Italy), where olive production diminished by an alarming 65%-80%. Heritage 400-year-old olive trees have been destroyed and an estimated 100,000 jobs have been lost.

It has become apparent ever more, that farmers lack effective disease management measures against Xylella fastidiosa.

Xylella fastidiosa treatment

Unfortunately, there are currently no known curative treatments for plants infected with Xylella fastidiosa. In response to the increasing outbreaks of Xylella infections, the BIOVEXO project has been funded through the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBU-JU). 

The BIOVEXO project aims to eliminate the disease in the long-run with novel bio pesticides for curative and interpretative purposes. Click here to learn more about BIOVEXO’s research plan. 

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Images credits ©Stéphane Compant (AIT), ©AIMERIT SL, ©Shutterstock