In a note from Confagricoltura, concern is expressed for “the arrival of Xylella at the gates of Bari”. The new outbreak was identified in Torre a Mare. Nine plants affected in total, including almond and olive trees, tested positive during the latest monitoring Regional phytosanitary service. The trees were affected by pauca subspecies of the bacterium, the one that created scorched earth in Salento.
“We express strong concern about the presence, albeit very modest, of Xylella fastidiosa pauca at the gates of Bari, in the area between Torre a Mare e Triggiano – declared Massimiliano Del Core, president of Confagricoltura Bari-Bat – However, we are extremely confident in the widespread sampling and observation work on the provincial territory carried out by the regional phytosanitary service".
“We are particularly concerned about the effects of the spread of the bacterium through its vectors to reference crops for our provinces such as wine, almonds and the production of table grapes. For Confagricoltura – underlined Del Core – the monitoring and containment strategy is the preferable one, due to its positive preventive effects in the symptomatic phase and the low impact on the production chains of our province".
In the area east of Bari, between Triggiano and Capurso, the ST1 fastidiosa subspecies appears to be present which attacks the almond tree, susceptible to infection by all subspecies of Xyella, especially the older specimens. In the area of Santeramo in Colle, in which 10 thousand trees were analyzed, 230 samples tested positive. The multiplex subspecies of Xylella is present in the area on almond trees and ornamental plants, which has already been present in Europe for some time.
“We also believe that – concluded the president of Confagricoltura Bari-Bat – both for this episode and for the previous ones that affected our province (Triggiano, Capurso and Santeramo) the attention of farmers in managing their land and crops was essential. And in this sense our organization has been carrying out a constant information and awareness action towards all its members for some time."
