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Research on Xylella fastidiosa is advancing in several areas, including on resistant plants, insect vectors, targeted pest control strategies and advanced technologies for early detection, such as image analysis techniques. Preparedness and early detection remain key in the fight against this bacterium that continues to threaten Europe’s economy and environment. These were the main conclusions of a global gathering of hundreds of scientific experts brought together by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The main results presented at the event included updates on the status of epidemics in the EU, advances in resistance to Xylella in almond, grapes and olive, improved knowledge of its insect vectors allowing for a better control, and advanced tools for early detection.
Giuseppe Stancanelli, Head of EFSA’s Plant Health Risk Assessment Team, said: “Collaboration remains our guiding star. EFSA has been supporting Member States in the fight against Xylella in several ways, including by maintaining a global database of Xylella host plants, developing a harmonised surveillance system, funding targeted research, and facilitating collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to identify key knowledge gaps and research priorities. The conference highlighted preparedness and early detection as key tools in the fight against Xylella, while showcasing the tangible results that EU-funded research is delivering against major threats to Europe’s agricultural and environmental heritage”.
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