Xylella fastidiosa outbreak detected in Calabria

The official detection of Xylella fastidiosa subspecies pauca in Calabria has triggered alarms within the national olive and oil industry. A confirmed outbreak was identified in the Taurianova area within the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, where seven out of thirty-five sampled olive trees tested positive.

In response, the Calabria Region has established an infected zone and a 2.5-kilometer buffer zone, affecting parts of Cittanova and Terranova Sappo Minulio. Regional authorities have implemented an eradication action plan and activated a crisis committee to coordinate interventions.

Tullio Forcella, president of Federolio, expressed strong concern regarding the pathogen's expansion into previously unaffected territories. While praising the timely reaction of regional authorities, the association emphasized the need to utilize resources from the Italian National Olive Plan 2026-2030 to prevent further spread and safeguard the agricultural sector. Local groups, including Rinnoviamo Caulonia, are also calling for immediate prevention policies, noting that the bacterium is transmitted via infected plant material and insect vectors and currently has no known cure for trees in the field.