Fighting Xylella, the silent plant killer

31/10/2024 16 min Temporada 1 Episodio 22

Listen "Fighting Xylella, the silent plant killer"

Episode Synopsis


Olive trees are an iconic feature of the landscape and cultural heritage in southern Italy. But a deadly bacterium, Xylella fastidiosa, has left parts of the Apulia region looking like a wasteland. Is there any hope? Millions of trees are dead, and the bacterium threatens to spread further north, to other plant species too. What’s being done to stop its spread? What lessons can we learn? Join us to find out how scientists are fighting back and how green shoots of resistance mean olives trees may return once more!  Your opinion matters! Please take this brief survey to share your thoughts on our podcast.