The risks of introduction and spread of the dangerous quarantine plant pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa into the EU territory should be further evaluated. The aim is the prevention of damages to Austrian agriculture and forestry caused by this fastidious bacterium with an enormous host range. The CLIMEX® software will be used to model the potential spread of Xf and its vectors in Austria (risk mapping). Furthermore the crucial detection and identification of Xf to the subspecies level will be improved with focus on relevant plant and vector matrices. Isolation and cultivation of this fastidious bacterium will be optimized to gain the requirements for a confirmed finding, providing the basis for subsequent phytosanitary actions. The specific objectives of the project are to address and cover these different aspects, by developing scientific and technical information, critical for implementing recommendations and specific guidelines, to be adopted in compliance with the EU implementing decision 789/2015, for a common and harmonized surveillance program for this very destructive plant pathogen. To accomplish the project objectives the research activities, involving more than 20 Institutions, have been organized in 5 work-packages.
Specifically, the consortium account for 23 research groups, covering the EPPO region as well other countries, and with the important support of the ARS-USDA experts. |