New Tool Could Stop the Spread of Main Xylella Fastidiosa Vector
Using sound vibrations, researchers may be able to disrupt the mating of spittlebugs in olive groves. Agriculture groups are calling for more research.
Photo by Cain Burdeau for Olive Oil Times
Mar. 15, 2021
A team of Italian researchers has developed a new tool to combat Xylella fastidiosa. It aims at disturbing spittlebug mating, which is one of the main vectors of the bacteria.
Xylella fastidiosa is a deadly pathogen that has infected 21 million olive trees spread over 183,000 hectares across southern Italy, according to the Italian agricultural association, Coldiretti.