BeXyl project provides new tools and strategies for prevention, monitoring and control of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe

In a meeting with policymakers, farmers, and representatives of plant nurseries in Brussels, BeXyl researchers presented innovative strategies for the prevention, monitoring, and control of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. 

The research results of the EU-funded BeXyl project on the quarantine plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in Europe have made remarkable progress in surveillance, early detection, new biological control tools, and plant resilience management strategies. 

On 20 May, lead scientists presented and discussed the project's main findings with growers, plant nurseries, risk managers, and policymakers at a meeting at the Delegation of the Regional Government of Andalusia in Brussels. 

Thanks to the BeXyl project, scientists shed new light 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.

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 encouraging results on the use of 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. 

BeXyl also developed tools to enhance the socio-economic impact assessments of the outbreak and to support policy decisions and outbreak management.

“BeXyl has shown what coordinated European research can achieve: in four years, we have moved from fragmented knowledge to a stronger, science-based framework for detecting, monitoring and managing Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. The project has delivered tools and strategies with direct value for agriculture, nurseries, landscapes and public policy, helping Europe become better prepared for this major plant health threat,” the project leader Blanca B. Landa said.

“Xylella fastidiosa currently represents the main threat to plant health in Europe and is regulated as the number one priority quarantine pest,” the Secretary General of the European Nurserystock Association (ENA) Josep M. Pagès said. “Considering this reality, it is both justified and necessary for the nursery sector to take an active role in disseminating and applying the research results generated by this project, which has advanced our knowledge of X. fastidiosa to a level unthinkable just five years ago,” he added.

The 5th EFSA conference on Xylella fastidiosa, taking place 22-26 June in Bari, Italy, will provide the perfect platform for the final presentation and discussion of the BeXyl Project’s results.