Groundbreaking Research Against Xylella in the Balearic Islands

A research programme has studied its impact on crops and ecosystems in the farming industry

What does it consist of?

Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium detected in key crops and forest species in the Balearic Islands, has been the subject of an applied research programme aimed at developing control strategies. The programme has been completed with a budget execution of over 98%.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Design and implementation of control strategies against Xylella fastidiosa
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Direcció General d'Agricultura, Ramaderia i Desenvolupament Rural
Project code
ITS2017-095
Total project amount
1.050.000 €
ITS granted amount
1.050.000 €
Executed amount
1.034.884 €
Call year
2017
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 98.56%
Last data request
11.10.2022

The project

Xylella fastidiosa has become a cause for concern in the Balearic countryside since it was detected in 2016. This quarantine pest affects a wide variety of plants including crops such as olive, almond, grapevine and fig, and poses both a financial and ecological risk. The institutional response took the form of a special plan, promoted by the Directorate-General for Agriculture, to study the disease and design control strategies.

With a budget of €1,050,000 funded by sustainable tourism tax, the initiative took place between 2017 to 2020. Research has addressed the genetic variability of the bacterium, its transmission routes, interactions with other soil organisms and vector analysis, in a bid to implement effective prevention and containment measures.

One of the main focuses has been transferring knowledge to the farming industry. Throughout these years, results have been shared with farmers, cooperatives and experts, offering guidelines for action and up-to-date scientific standards. Coordination with scientific institutions has been key to better understanding the behaviour of Xylella on the islands.

As well as the direct impact on farming production, the project also impacts the landscape and ecological balance. The bacterium affects wild species found in the Balearic forest environment, which adds an environmental aspect to the threat. Advances in early detection and vector control provide a solid basis for future preventive action.