Scientists of the BeXyl project will contribute to the organisation of the 5th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa, taking place 22-26 June in Bari, Italy, which will provide the platform for the final presentation and discussion of the BeXyl Project’s results.
In particular, the conference will focus on the BeXyl project on 22 June.
Kicked off in 2022, the EU-funded project BeXyl – Beyond Xylella has involved more than 30 actors from scientific research, industry and public authorities to shed new light on Xylella fastidiosa’s outbreaks in Europe and propose solutions to improve their management and prevent new introductions of the pathogen on the continent.
The collaboration of farmers, nurseries, private companies, and a global network of scientists and conservation institutions has been paramount in moving from fragmented knowledge in Europe to a stronger, science-based framework for detecting, monitoring, and managing Xylella fastidiosa.
The BeXyl actions added new knowledge on the drivers of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe and demonstrated the feasibility of more advanced methods for surveillance, early detection, and monitoring of Xylella fastidiosa epidemics using airborne tools, on-the-ground sensors, and state-of-the-art epidemiological models.
The project also established and strengthened an international network of sentinel plots and surveillance activities across Europe and beyond, improving preparedness and providing insights into host susceptibility, pathogen spread and disease emergence under different environmental conditions.
Researchers also confirmed that thermal treatment can be a solution for the safe trade of vegetal material of host species other than grapevine in infected areas.
The investigation into fungi and viruses to control insect vector populations and the trials on microbial consortia to increase plant resilience to infection pave the way for more sustainable tools to reduce the spread of Xylella-related diseases.
In parallel, BeXyl advanced the identification and evaluation of resistant and tolerant plant material in key Mediterranean crops, including olive, almond and grapevine, providing new opportunities for long-term disease management and adaptation in affected areas.
The project also contributed to integrated pest management (IPM) approaches that combine surveillance, host resistance, vector management, biological control and stakeholder engagement into more sustainable strategies for managing Xylella fastidiosa.
In addition, the project generated valuable knowledge on the social, economic and environmental impacts of outbreaks and management measures, identifying barriers to implementation and supporting evidence-based decision-making by growers, plant health authorities and policymakers.
The 5th European Conference on Xylella fastidiosa: science for sustainable management is organised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), BeXyl, Euphresco III, CIHEAM Bari, IPSP-CNR, and the Apulia Region.
For more information: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/5th-european-conference-xylella-fastidiosa-science-sustainable-management
Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most threatening plant pathogens worldwide, capable of colonising more than 700 plant species. It causes diseases that result in agricultural and environmental losses totalling millions of dollars in the United States and Brazil. In October 2013, the bacterium was detected for the first time in the EU, on olive trees in the Apulia region of southern Italy. Since then, outbreaks have also been reported in France, Spain and Portugal.
Further information is available at: https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/xylella-fastidiosa
Fonte: BeXyl – Beyond Xylella
