Europe to hold conference to discuss researches on Xylella fastidiosa

A major scientific conference on European research into Xylella fastidiosa is to be held in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, from 13-15 November 2017. The conference is being organised jointly by EFSA, the University of the Balearic Islands, the Euphresco network for phytosanitary research coordination and funding, and the EU Horizon 2020 projects POnTE and XF-ACTORS.
 

The event will provide a platform for in-depth discussion on the results of research into X. fastidiosa and its vectors, in support of on-going efforts to control the European outbreaks. As well as speakers and participants from Europe, the conference will be attended by scientific experts from other parts of the world – such as Brazil and the United States – where X. fastidiosa has been present for many years.
 

The recent detection of X. fastidiosa in Italy, France and Spain represents an important change in the geographical distribution of this dangerous plant pathogen, which now poses a serious threat to the agriculture and environment of Europe and the Mediterranean region.
 

This year’s conference follows the workshop “Xylella fastidiosa: knowledge gaps and research priorities for the EU” that was organised in 2015 by EFSA and the European Commission’s Directorates-General for Research and Innovation, Agriculture and Rural Development, and Health and Food Safety. Further annual conferences are envisaged to help meet a request from the European Commission for regular scientific updates on research into X. fastidiosa.
 

Conference themes
 

The principal issues to be discussed include:

• X. fastidiosa: biology, genetics and taxonomy.

• Vectors.

• Epidemiology.

• Control strategies, disease management and mitigation measures.
 

The main focus will be on the situation in Europe.