The challenge
One of the most threatening pathogenic bacteria which is becoming wide-spread across the Mediterranean region and other parts of Europe is Xylella fastidiosa. Due to its rapid transmission across cultivation areas, Xylella is projected to cause yield losses of 35% - 70% in olive harvests and 13% in almond harvests.
One of the most impacted regions in Europe is the region of Apulia (Italy), where olive production diminished by an alarming 65%-80%. Heritage 400-year-old olive trees have been destroyed and an estimated 100,000 jobs have been lost.
To date, no organic solution exists on the market to combat Xylella, placing the economic and social-cultural sustainability of Europe at risk.