Strengthening Capacities to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Xylella Fastidiosa – Olive Quick Decline Syndrome in Nena Countries - TCP/RAB/3601

Strengthening Capacities to Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Xylella Fastidiosa – Olive Quick Decline Syndrome in Nena Countries - TCP/RAB/3601

Editor

FAO ;

Descripción

Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Olive Quick DeclineSyndrome (OQDS), represents a serious threat to oliveproduction in the Mediterranean region. Olive treesinfected by the bacterium progressively weaken andultimately die in a relatively short period of time. Olivetrees are considered as one of the region’s main crops, aswell as being a symbol of Mediterranean culture andhistory. Olive production and the olive oil industry areamong the most important sources of income forthousands of low and medium-income families. Inaddition, countries in the Near East and North Africa(NENA) region rely largely on the importation of plantingmaterial from a number of countries in which the diseasehas been reported. The risk of introduction andestablishment of the bacterium in NENA countries is highnot only due to trade, but also on account of theprevalence of host plants, insect vectors and the suitabilityof environmental conditions.