Brussels, 24/11/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 November, EU member state experts endorsed additional measures, proposed by the Commission, to combat Xylella fastidiosa which has decimated olive trees in Italy.
The new measures update the existing emergency provisions adopted in May this year by adjusting the list of regulated plants in relation to the different subspecies of Xylella fastidiosa found in French and Italian territory. In addition, the new EU measures make provision for allowing the Italian authorities to approve the planting of host plants, for scientific purposes only, in well-defined parts of the current containment area in Apulia.
Using a new EFSA opinion on the susceptibility of grapevine to the Apulian strain of Xylella fastidiosa as the basis for the decision, grapevine was not deleted from the list of regulated plants, in line with the request made by Italy. However, thermotherapy has been recognised as an effective method of controlling Xylella fastidiosa on grapevine propagating material within and outside of demarcated areas.
Member states now have to put in place campaigns to raise awareness among the general public, travellers, and professional and international transport operators about the threat of this dangerous bacterium, and to prepare contingency plans to ensure better preparedness in case of potential outbreaks.
EU emergency measures impose strict conditions on the movement of a long list of specified plants within and outside the affected area. This list extends to 160 species and 27 genera of plants for planting (including vines and citrus trees), with the exception of seeds. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)