Jan. 4, 2022
Researchers Identify Xylella Vectors on Balearic Islands
Two species of insects were identified as the main vectors of the deadly olive tree pathogen on the Spanish islands.
Dec. 17, 2021
Dogs and Drones: New Projects in Puglia Emphasize Early Detection Against Xylella
Using thermal sensing and the powerful noses of dogs, authorities in Puglia ramp up efforts to detect the latest outbreaks of Xylella fastidiosa before symptoms occur.
Dec. 1, 2021
New Olive Trees Are Being Planted in Xylella-Ravaged Puglia
A new law in Italy has changed monitoring and removal operations in Xylella-plagued areas. Funds are being used to replant trees and compensate millers.
Nov. 10, 2021 Production
Nov. 1, 2021 News Briefs
An Estimated 33,000 Jobs Lost to Xylella Fastidiosa in Puglia
Oct. 27, 2021 Production
Farmers in Apulia Deal with Drought, High Costs as Harvest Begins
Oct. 26, 2021 Production
Puglia Warns Farmers of Ineffective Xylella Fastidiosa Cures
Aug. 13, 2021 News Briefs
Xylella Fastidiosa Identified in Rosemary Plants in Portugal
Aug. 2, 2021
Organic Producers from Puglia Triumph at World Competition
Producers from southwestern Italy overcame Xylella fastidiosa, erratic weather events and the Covid-19 pandemic to produce their award-winning extra virgin olive oils.
Jul. 30, 2021
Grant Provides Funds for Researching Xylella Fastidiosa Biopesticides
The European Commission awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant to the University of Jaén to research new methods to curb the spread of the deadly olive pathogen.
Jul. 8, 2021
Olive Council, FAO Pact Calls for Joint Efforts on Xylella
Signed at the 113th session of the Council of Members, the agreement formalizes an already long-running relationship between the IOC and the United Nations organization.
Jun. 10, 2021
European Commission Considers Use of Gene-Editing in Agriculture
The commission will discuss with member states and other stakeholders how gene-editing technology could influence the future of sustainable agriculture.
Mar. 29, 2021
Volunteers in Italy and Spain to Track Spittlebug Activity
Efforts in Puglia and Andalusia are underway to monitor the spread of the deadly vector of Xyella fastidiosa. Using mobile applications, volunteers will help experts track the insect populations.
Mar. 15, 2021
New Tool Could Stop the Spread of Main Xylella Fastidiosa Vector
Using sound vibrations, researchers may be able to disrupt the mating of spittlebugs in olive groves. Agriculture groups are calling for more research.
Feb. 1, 2021
Treatment to Mitigate the Impact of Xylella Fastidiosa Shows Promise in Italy
Researchers found that a recently-patented bio-complex killed bacteria from three strains of Xylella in infected trees, while increasing their resilience to the disease.
Oct. 16, 2020
Latest Xylella Outbreak in Puglia Continues to Spread
Authorities have identified 136 newly-infected trees in Puglia. Among the new discoveries are two millenary olive trees in what was considered to be a buffer zone.
Oct. 12, 2020
Signs of Life Among Puglia’s Xylella-Ravaged Groves
Farmers in the southern Apulian commune of Casarano – in a Xylella fastidiosa red zone – have successfully harvested olives of the Favolosa cultivar. The triumph provides a roadmap for other producers in Xf-hit areas.
Oct. 1, 2020
Xylella Outbreak in Apulian Buffer Zone Puts Millenary Trees at Risk
At least 50 trees infected with the deadly plant pathogen have been discovered in a Xylella fastidiosa buffer zone, authorities said, threatening some of the area’s renowned ancient olive trees.
Sep. 16, 2020
Xylella Fastidiosa Arrives in Third French Region
Authorities have implemented containment protocols after discovering an infected lavender plant at a gardening store in Occitanie. The southern region is home to about one-quarter of France’s olive oil production.
Aug. 21, 2020
Increased Precision in Europe's New Xylella Fastidiosa Legislation
Along with shrinking the infection and buffer zones, the European Commission also admitted that the deadly plant pathogen could no longer be removed in some regions and called on E.U. member states to intensify their surveillance of the disease.
Aug. 7, 2020
Farmers, Politicians Blame Each Other as Wildfires Burn in Puglia
Farmers have blamed the rapid spread of the wildfires on dead olive trees that were killed by Xylella fastidiosa and never removed by local governments. Some politicians have insinuated that these trees are being intentionally burned.
Jun. 29, 2020
Italian Government Pledges €120 Million in Aid for Xylella-Ravaged Puglia
The money will be divided among farmers who suffered at least a 30 percent loss of production.
Jun. 17, 2020
Xylella Update: Spread Continues in Southern Italy Amid Calls for Swift Action
With the bacteria spreading beyond predictability, an evolving patchwork of strategies aim to identify and contain outbreaks.