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Xylella fastidiosa detection in Southern Italy
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2026-09-16 18:14 UTC → 2026-10-05 11:48 UTC ·
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The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has been detected in southern Italy, affecting both Calabria and Basilicata. In Calabria, the pathogen—specifically the subspecies pauca—was pauca was identified in the Taurianova area of the Reggio Calabria province. Molecular analysis confirmed seven positive olive plants out of 35 samples. In response, the Calabria Regional Government established a crisis committee and issued a decree creating a 50-meter infected zone and a 2.5-kilometer buffer zone, affecting parts of Taurianova, Cittanova, and Terranova Sappo Minulio. Authorities are mandated to uproot affected plants and implement insect vector control to protect the regional olive oil industry. Following this, the bacterium was also confirmed in the Basilicata region. In the province of Matera, the multiplex subspecies was identified on an almond tree near the border with Altamura. This detection occurred during intensified monitoring by the regional Phytosanitary Office. Laboratory analyses were conducted by Alsia Metapontum Agrobios and confirmed by Crea Difesa e Certificazione in Rome. The detection of the subspecies pauca in Calabria has raised alarms within the national olive and oil industry. Tullio Forcella, president of Federolio, expressed concern regarding the pathogen’s expansion into previously unaffected territories, emphasizing the need for resources from the Italian National Olive Plan 2026-2030. Local groups, such as Rinnoviamo Caulonia, have also called for immediate prevention policies, noting that the bacterium is transmitted via insect vectors and infected plant material and currently has no known cure for trees in the field. In Basilicata, Regional Councilor Carmine Cicala is scheduled to conduct a technical inspection in Matera to monitor the presence of the subspecies multiplex as part of containment and prevention efforts.
Versions
- 2026-10-05 11:48 UTC Xylella fastidiosa detection in Southern Italy
- 2026-09-16 18:14 UTC Xylella fastidiosa detection in Southern Italy
- 2026-09-06 23:50 UTC Xylella fastidiosa detection in Southern Italy
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