A team of Italian researchers has developed a new tool to combat Xylella fastidiosa. It aims at disturbing spittlebug mating, which is one of the main vectors of the bacteria.
Xylella fastidiosa is a deadly pathogen that has infected 21 million olive trees spread over 183,000 hectares across southern Italy, according to the Italian agricultural association, Coldiretti.
A continuous noise with a specific frequency range could successfully disrupt mating by interfering with the male-female communication.- XF-Actors ,
The new research area, known as biotremology, led scientists to investigate the effects of sound vibrations on the insects and discover how spittlebug reproduction could be curtailed.
Researchers from the XF-Actors initiative, the Edmund Mach Foundation, the University of Trento and the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari focused on the impact specific vibrations had on the species’ reproduction, borrowing from the experiences of its application on vineyard pests.
See Also:Treatment to Mitigate the Impact of Xylella Fastidiosa Shows Promise in ItalyIn the last decade, the effects of vibrational disruption on the most damaging insects to the country’s agricultural sector have been investigated.
“The insects use the micro-vibrations to communicate,” Edmund Mach Foundation researchers said. “By interfering with those communications, the females of several insects can not receive the signals from the males, which translates in a relevant reduction of mating opportunities.”
In vineyards, vibrational disruption signals are already being tested to reduce the use of pesticides. Experts believe that the same treatment could be used in Apulian olive groves to contain spittlebug reproduction and the spread of Xylella fastidiosa.
“Scientists collected data on the vibrational communication of Philaenus spumarius [the spittlebug species] with a laser vibrometer throughout the year,” an XF-Actors press release said. “A continuous noise with a specific frequency range could successfully disrupt mating by interfering with the male-female communication.”
While the scientists believe that these first results are encouraging, they highlight how further research on the new biological tool is needed.
“The study is still ongoing and will certainly lead to essential scientific evidence for the fight against the vector insect,” said Savino Muraglia, president of Coldiretti Puglia. “The importance of scientific research in the fight against Xylella fastidiosa has been evident for years and must be supported with more funding for laboratory research, monitoring and sampling activities [that came as the result of] the €10 million allocated by the Olive Regeneration Plan.”
“The funds from the European Union destined for monitoring and sampling are just small change, being equal to €3 million for the whole Italian territory and destined to cover operations about seven different pathogens,” he added.
More articles on: Italy, pests, Xylella fastidiosa
Feb. 20, 2023
Recent Rain and Snow Not Enough to Break Italy’s Drought
Scientists say more needs to be done to adapt, from wastewater recycling to planting less water-intensive crops.
Dec. 12, 2022
Europe Approves Italy’s Plan for Implementing the Common Agricultural Policy
The €37 billion will be used to promote sustainability and traditional food products, support small farms and encourage young people into agriculture over five years.
Mar. 23, 2023
Thousands of Hectares of Abandoned Olive Groves Set to Be Sold in Italy
The latest auction announced by Ismea includes more than 300 olive groves. The goal is to revive existing farms and establish new ones.
Dec. 16, 2022
From Milan to Puglia, EVOO Lies at The Heart of Christmas Cooking in Italy
While every region in Italy celebrates the Christmas period differently, all rely on local extra virgin olive oils to enhance their meals.
Sep. 25, 2023
Olive Farmers in Puglia Face Catastrophic Harvest After Autumn Storms
The damage to the southern Italian region’s olive trees is expected to drive up prices in the short term and lower production in future harvests.
Mar. 2, 2023
Olive Oil Consumption in Italy, Greece Expected to Grow Amid Global Decline
Despite rising prices, lower production and the impacts of inflation, olive oil consumption in Italy and Greece is expected to rise, bucking the global trend.
Jul. 26, 2023
Art Exhibition Reflects on Xylella's Devastating Impact
‘Xylella Studies,’ which documents the disruption caused by the bacterium to Puglia, will be on display until September 10th at the Sigismondo Castromediano Museum.
May. 18, 2023
Triumph of Northern Italian Producers Rooted in Profound Bond with the Land
Farrmers in five northern Italian regions overcame drought to achieve another year of high-quality extra virgin olive oil production.