E-RTA INIA

Development of strategies for the eradication, containment and control of Xyllla fastidiosa in Spain

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a quarantine pathogen in the European Union (EU), which represents a major threat for the EU and the Mediterranean Basin as a whole due to its broad host range and means of transmission by insect vectors. Xf is a bacterium with great pathogenic potential that causes serious diseases in many crops of economic importance, as well as in wild plant species typical of the Mediterranean forests.

E-RTA INIA is a three years project, started in 2018 until 2020. The project aims to develop strategies for the eradication, containment and control of Xf in Spain.

This project bring together 6 partners: The Instituto Valenciano de Investigación Agraria (IVIA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones científicas (CSIC), Universitat de Girona (UdG), Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentària (IRTA) and the Instituto de Investigación y Formación Agraria y Pesquera (I.F.A.P.A)

The topics of the research are:

To develop regional risk assessments and guidelines to improve the eradication programs. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-01
To determine the genetic diversity and host range of Xf populations present in Spain. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-02
To determine the pathogenicity of Xf isolates representative of the Spanish populations in the main crops affected. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-03
To characterize the infection process and the genotype/phenotype response of the different cultivars and crops affected. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-04
To study the biology and ecology of potential insect vectors and their role in disease epidemiology and control. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-05
To establish the scientific grounds for extension and communication activities to inform about Xf diseases. E-RTA2017-00004-C6-06

R+D+i State Program Oriented to the Challenges of Society (Food Safety and Quality Challenge, Productive and Sustainable Agricultural Activity, Sustainability of Natural Resources and Marine and Maritime Research) under the State Plan for Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation. Convocation 2017.