BACKGROUND
Xylella fastidiosa is a quarantine bacterium that affects hundreds of plant species, including those of greatest economic and environmental value, such as olive trees, prunus [1], citrus fruits, grapevines, cork oaks, oaks, and many other forest, ornamental and spontaneous species.
This bacterium is one of the European Union's 20 priority quarantine pests and is spread over short distances by insect vectors [2] and over long distances by the transportation of contaminated plants [3]. The risk of dispersal in our territory is considered to be high, taking into account the circulation of propagating material from different regions, the frequent latent infections (asymptomatic, i.e. without symptoms), which make early detection difficult, and the presence in our territory of insect species capable of dispersing it. The presence of the bacterium was confirmed for the first time in Portugal in January 2019 in the Porto metropolitan area, and since then it has been recorded in other regions of the country.
In this sense, the SNM_XylellaVt project, This is a joint effort to contain the disease to the areas identified so far and to stop it spreading to the rest of Portugal.
SYNOPSIS
The SNM_XylellaVt project aims to create a network for monitoring the X. fastidiosa and its vector insect(s), in particular the foam leafhopper, scientific name (Philaenus spumarius), allowing for the development of new tools, such as risk prediction models that, in the presence of the bacterium, whether in plants or insect vectors, allow the National Agricultural Warning Service (SNAA) to warn, in real time, of the economic attack levels (NEA) for these insects, thus preventing infection of the main crops.
Faced with this phytosanitary threat, creating effective prevention systems based on modern digital technology will help attract and retain young people in low-density areas and contribute to the implementation of more sustainable practices that will improve and increase the environmental and economic profitability of crops and the agri-food sector.
OBJECTIVES
1. The creation of a monitoring and warning system is intended to increase the prevention of crop infections by the bacterium. X. fastidiosa, by acting to control their vectors. The warnings generated by the SNAA will thus be able to support municipalities, farmers and forestry producers in more targeted and effective control of these insects, thereby reducing the phytosanitary risk of infection by the X. fastidiosa and preventing their dispersal. Having such a system will help make production systems more resilient and reduce the risk of crop loss.
2. The initiative will also develop a capacity-building program focused on the development of best agricultural practices for controlling the insect vectors of X. fastidiosa, and the results of the work to be carried out. The initiative will involve the Innovation Hubs of the DRAP and the DGAV, as well as the holdings of the partner SMEs.
3. The aim is also to develop and validate smart traps to identify the main vectors, in particular the P. spumarius that could be used by the SNAA.
ACTIVITIES
1. setting up a network of biological observation posts (POB) throughout the country,including vineyards, fruit orchards, olive groves, cork oak forests and natural or landscaped environments, to record the presence of the main insect vectors of X. fastidiosa, The study of the insects' biological cycle and the plant species that host them throughout their biological cycle. InPP participates in data collection in two areas: cork oak forests and vineyards.
2. Data analysis and risk prediction model development, involving at least one of the insect vectors most at risk, the P. spumarius, This activity is based on the data to be obtained from the POB network, which can be used to issue warnings via the SNAA, with the aim of promoting the most effective control measures in the demarcated areas, as well as providing control recommendations in areas not affected by the disease. The InPP is responsible for carrying out this activity.
3. Development of new systems to support insect monitoring and identification, Through the use of smart traps, it is possible to develop and validate technologies for the observation and digital identification of insect vectors. X. fastidiosa.
4. Training and communication, The project also included the development of a training program for all the technicians from the entities involved in the project and producers to identify the main insect vectors of X. fastidiosa, in particular P. spumarius, and best practices for controlling them.
SNM_XylellaVt project logo
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED
FINANCING
[1] Prunus are all trees and shrubs of the genus ‘prunus’, of the rosaceae family, native to temperate regions, especially in the northern hemisphere, which include fruit species such as plum, cherry, sour cherry, peach and apricot trees.
[2] The bacteria Xylella fastidiosThe bacterium is transmitted from one plant to another by infected insect vectors that feed on the xylem. The main vector for transmitting the bacterium in Europe is the foam leafhopper, scientific name Philaenus spumarius, However, there are other potential vectors. The insect (nymphs and adults) is infected while feeding in the xylem vessels of an infected plant.
[3] The bacteria X. fastidiosa colonizes the xylem, obstructing the passage of water and nutrients. It causes symptoms similar to lack of water and deficiencies, such as dry leaf tips and margins, leading to plant death.
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