During the 1st and 2nd reporting periods, BeXyl has advanced the development of new knowledge, tools and strategies to prevent, detect and manage Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) in the EU. The project has addressed the full risk pathway from introduction and surveillance to management and resilience building.
BeXyl has established a network of sentinel plots and botanical gardens in infected areas to monitor Xf emergence under real conditions. These sites are providing essential data on host range, environmental drivers, and disease dynamics. More than 700 Xf genomes have been sequenced, and new vectors have been identified, improving understanding of pathogen diversity, host adaptation and outbreak evolution, and supporting tracing analyses.
Risk-based surveillance strategies have been developed by integrating epidemiological and genetic spread models with optimised sampling design. Novel diagnostic tools, including LAMP, digital PCR and high-throughput sequencing, have been evaluated to improve early and reliable detection in both plants and insect vectors. Additional tools such as vector monitoring traps, plant phenotyping indicators, remote-sensing models and canine detection have been developed, tested and validated. In parallel, thermal treatment protocols for nursery material have been investigated to support safe plant trade.
BeXyl has also made significant progress in developing sustainable control solutions. Large-scale screening programmes in olive, and almond are ongoing and started to identify resistant or tolerant genotypes and associated traits, supporting breeding for resilience. Innovative biological and ecological control approaches have been tested, including entomopathogenic fungi, parasitoids, beneficial microbial consortia, antimicrobial peptides, plant-derived compounds, engineered materials and bacteriophages. Promising solutions have progressed from laboratory trials toward greenhouse and field validation. IPM strategies integrating multiple tools and agronomic practices have been designed and are currently being tested at field scale.
Finally, the project has assessed the ecological, social and economic consequences of Xf establishment and management, generating evidence that will support proportionate decision-making and stakeholder acceptance.
