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In 2013, Italian researchers made a disturbing discovery: one of the world’s most destructive plant diseases, usually found in the Americas, had spread to Italy’s olive trees. With no known cure, the pathogen had infected more than 10 million trees in the southeastern tip of Italy. If not properly controlled, it had the potential to spread throughout the Mediterranean basin. The Italian government contracted national research institutions and the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) to investigate and control the pathogen. Xylella fastidiosaBut if the epidemic spreads further, other Mediterranean countries will also face huge risks.
Not only olive trees, but more than 500 other plant species are hosts to various strains of this bacterium. If not prevented, smallholder farmers in the Near East and North Africa region could lose their livelihoods due to the possible spread of the disease to the region, and national economies could be thrown into turmoil. In view of these risks, FAO has launched a project to support countries in the Near East and North Africa region in their efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of the disease.
Xylella fastidiosa: The threat of spreading
Xylella fastidiosa The Americas have long had problems – with losses estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Xylella fastidiosa It also harms grapes, stone fruit, citrus and ornamental plants. The disease is difficult to quarantine because the bacteria is spread by insects and infected trees take a long time to show symptoms because of the incubation period. Trichoderma fastidis It can last from seven months to over a year.
If the insect feeds on the sap of an infected tree, it can spread the bacteria to other trees. However, the disease can also be spread by the transport of infected plants, especially ornamentals, which may contain the bacteria but not show symptoms.
symptom Xylella fastidiosa The consequences of infection include weakened branches, dried leaves, and hard, shrunken fruit. Infected trees actually experience an internal drought: The multiplying bacteria attach themselves to the xylem tubes that carry water and nutrients, clogging the tree’s ends.
Innovation Tools
To mitigate potential threats Trichoderma fastidis For countries bordering the Mediterranean, FAO is supporting prevention efforts in Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. By using modern detection technologies, FAO is helping countries to more accurately, cheaply and easily test imported planting material – the main route for bacteria to be introduced from long distances.
An important component of the project is the introduction of innovative loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) devices that can test plants and insects in real time to detect any molecules associated with disease. The portable LAMP devices are used with a tablet computer as the device interface to run the test and receive the results. These devices enable farmers and scientists to immediately identify and report Trichoderma fastidis On site, no need to wait for news from the lab.
Dissemination of information
Media campaigns and press conferences help spread the word about Trichoderma fastidisand effective advocacy was carried out in Egypt and Libya through social media, radio and television. In addition, regional advocacy days were organized in countries of the Near East and North Africa region, targeting technicians, farmers, nursery workers, students and customs inspectors to enable them to detect and handle plants infected with the bacteria.
To continue to provide important information, we have established multiple communication channels (including a toll-free hotline, email, WhatsApp and Facebook) for stakeholders to share information and resolve issues related to disease management.
FAO also organized a series of training courses for stakeholders on monitoring, diagnosis and management practices. Xylella fastidiosa. These workshops assisted countries in organizing national and regional awareness days and diagnostic and surveillance training sessions. Xylella fastidiosaThe events also attracted an additional 3,858 participants (942 of whom were women), including experts, researchers and farmers.
Prevention is the only way
Despite countermeasures, the disease continues to kill olive trees in Italy and has spread to Spain and France. So far, it has not been reported in North Africa and the Near East.
To prevent the disease from spreading further, FAO is assisting at-risk countries to update their phytosanitary regulations and strengthen phytosanitary measures at ports of entry to prevent the disease from being introduced through trade. In the worst-case scenario, FAO is also helping countries develop contingency plans if the disease is detected.
FAO hopes to prevent the disease from spreading to new areas by establishing a coordinated regional surveillance system, organizing international risk communication and improving the ability to detect and respond to the disease.
As part of its prevention efforts, FAO has developed a dedicated mobile application (XylAppNENA) and database for each country to collect data from the field. Although managing the disease is difficult, preventive measures and early detection have significantly reduced the risk of infection and spread. Xylella fastidiosa This means greater stability and yields for farmers along the Mediterranean coast, and it’s also great news for olive lovers around the world.
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