Spain: Natural predators of the insect which transmits Xylella are found
Spanish scientists have detected potential natural predators of the insect that transmits the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, that causes the death of species such as the vine, the almond tree and the olive tree.
The research, published in the scientific journal “Sustainability”, has been carried out at the Complutense University of Madrid and the INIA, a research institute belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
From a molecular technique applied to the gastric content of the vector, the scientists have tracked “the natural enemies, what arthropods are feed on the Xylella fastidiosa’s vector”. The method stands out for its “reliability and quickness, essential in rapid management actions in quarantine areas”.
In addition to this, Belgian authorities claim that a batch of ornamental olive trees infected by the bacteria belongs to a consignment coming from Spain. However, the communication officer from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture has reported that “tests were carried out in the nurseries of origin and no positive case was detected”.
Source: Valencia Fruits