New publication! Guidelines for managing Xylella fastidiosa

Up to 95 percent of olive production is concentrated in the Mediterranean region. Indeed, Spain, Italy, Greece and Tunisia alone account for 76 percent of productive olive trees. However, in recent years, millions of olive trees in the Mediterrranean area have been threatened by the deadly pest Xylella fastidiosa. For example, in 2013 a Xylella fastidiosa outbreak devastated many trees and greatly reduced olive production in Apulia, Italy.

In response to this and other outbreaks, a new FAO publication on Xylella fastidiosa has just been published online. The Guidelines for the prevention, eradication and containment of Xylella fastidiosa in olive-growing areas provides detailed information about the pest and specific strategies for implementing surveillance and contingency programmes. It also pays special attention to managing the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). The publication is a tool for farmers and field advisors seeking to prevent the introduction and the spread of the disease in their growing areas.

Download the publication at: http://www.fao.org/3/i5994en/I5994EN.pdf