Bexyl Project

Bexyl Project Beyond Xylella, Integrated Management Strategies for Mitigating Xylella fastidiosa impact in Europe

Today BeXyl held its final meeting with stakeholders in Brussels, presenting the results of four years of intense resear...
20/05/2026

Today BeXyl held its final meeting with stakeholders in Brussels, presenting the results of four years of intense research into the epidemiology, surveillance and early detection of Xylella fastidiosa, as well as new biological control approaches, plant resilience strategies, policy support tools and socio-economic impact assessments.
This work will provide scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers with the knowledge and tools needed to improve the management of Xylella fastidiosa outbreaks in Europe.
Thanks to all the participants!


📸 Live from Brussels: The BeXyl final stakeholder meeting has officially commenced, with the first sessions now underway...
20/05/2026

📸 Live from Brussels: The BeXyl final stakeholder meeting has officially commenced, with the first sessions now underway.

This event gathers researchers, policymakers, and agricultural sector representatives to present and discuss the primary outcomes of the BeXyl Project, focusing on practical, science-based solutions for the prevention, monitoring, and control of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe.

Over the course of the meeting, participants will engage with a dedicated European network working to translate scientific evidence into tools and strategies with direct value for agriculture, nurseries, landscapes, and public policy.



The “5th conference on Xylella fastidiosa”, which will provide the platform for the presentation and discussion of the ...
04/05/2026

The “5th conference on Xylella fastidiosa”, which will provide the platform for the presentation and discussion of the BeXyl Project’s results, is approaching.

But before that, BeXyl researchers will meet stakeholders in Brussels.

The date is 20 May, from 9:00 to 15:00, and the location is the Delegation of the Andalucia Region in the EU capital. During the conference, entitled “Science, innovation and action against Xylella fastidiosa in Europe”, the BeXyl Project will present its findings and conclusions to stakeholders.

For more information: [email protected]


🍽️🚫 What if we could “spoil the appetite” of the insects spreading Xylella?New research from the BeXyl Project explores ...
26/04/2026

🍽️🚫 What if we could “spoil the appetite” of the insects spreading Xylella?

New research from the BeXyl Project explores a clever way to slow down the spread of the bacterium by targeting the feeding habits of its main carrier: the spittlebug Philaenus spumarius.

The science behind the “disrupted lunch”:
🍄 Eco-friendly Shield: Scientists tested Metarhizium brunneum, a specific fungus that can live inside olive plants as an endophyte without harming them.

⚡ Monitoring the Bite: Using EPG (Electrical Pe*******on Graph) technology, researchers monitored the exact moment the insect’s rostrum (its needle-like mouthpart) enters the plant.

📉 Appetite Lost: The study found that plants colonised by the fungus significantly disrupted the insect’s feeding behavior—increasing interruptions and reducing the time spent ingesting sap.

The result? A potential “push-pull” strategy. By applying this beneficial fungus to both olive trees and cover crops, we can create a hostile environment for the vector, mitigating the spread of Xylella fastidiosa. 🌳🛡️

🔬 Read the full study via our link in bio or on our website:
https://bexylproject.org/outcomes/publications/endophytic-colonization-and-epiphytic-presence-of-metarhizium-brunneum-alter-the-feeding-behavior-of-the-xylella-fastidiosa-vector-philaenus-spumarius/

A new seminar from the Xylella Seminar Series is now available: “Sustainable Endotherapy against Xylella fastidiosa: The...
24/04/2026

A new seminar from the Xylella Seminar Series is now available: “Sustainable Endotherapy against Xylella fastidiosa: The Mechanistic Efficacy of Cellulose Nanocrystals”.

The talk is presented by Muhammad Amir Muawiya, doctoral researcher at the Università degli Studi della Tuscia (UNITUS), Italy.

The seminar explores the application of bio-based nanotechnologies and precision endotherapy as sustainable methods to combat vascular bacterial pathogens. The research examines the efficacy of cellulose nanocrystals through molecular diagnostics and hyperspectral phenotyping to evaluate pathogen containment and host recovery in Mediterranean crops.

This session was jointly organised by the EU-funded BeXyl project, European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (European Food Safety Authority), and Auburn University.

The recording is hosted on the “Soluciones a Xylella fastidiosa” channel, in collaboration with PTI Sol-Xyl of CSIC.

🔗 Watch the full seminar via the link in our bio

In celebration of the International Day of Plant Health on May 12, the BeXyl Project, together with the BGCI - Botanical...
16/04/2026

In celebration of the International Day of Plant Health on May 12, the BeXyl Project, together with the BGCI - Botanical Gardens Conservation International, Real Jardín Botánico - CSIC and the Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (IAS - CSIC), is hosting a hybrid workshop to present new scientific dissemination resources.

This event marks a significant milestone in our commitment to public engagement and scientific literacy regarding Xylella fastidiosa. The session will highlight how botanical gardens contribute to plant biosecurity and will provide attendees with a comprehensive kit of educational materials designed for researchers, educators, and the general public.

📅 12 May | 🕓 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm (CEST)

📍 Real Jardín Botánico-CSIC (Madrid) & Online via Zoom

Access is free upon registration. Please secure your attendance:
https://bit.ly/3OuIBlf

🫐🧬 Is ‘junk’ DNA the key to protecting our blueberries?Pseudogenes were once thought to be useless genetic “leftovers.” ...
30/03/2026

🫐🧬 Is ‘junk’ DNA the key to protecting our blueberries?

Pseudogenes were once thought to be useless genetic “leftovers.” However, a new study by BeXyl Project researchers reveals they are essential clues to understanding how Xylella fastidiosa specialises in specific crops.

What we learned from the research:

✅ The “Junk” Rule: More pseudogenes equal a narrower host range. This “genetic decay” is a clear sign of high specialization.
✅ Blueberry Vigilance: European strains have the genetic potential to infect blueberries. Early detection remains our best defense.
✅ Targeting the Enemy: Researchers identified specific candidate genes linked to symptoms, offering new targets for control strategies.

By decoding the secrets hidden in Xylella’s DNA, we are staying one step ahead of its evolution to protect European agriculture. 🛡️🌿

🔬 Read the full study here: https://bit.ly/3PTcCvr

During the week of 2–6 March in Colombia, the BeXyl partner University of Costa Rica ran a training workshop on the diag...
24/03/2026

During the week of 2–6 March in Colombia, the BeXyl partner University of Costa Rica ran a training workshop on the diagnosis of Xylella fastidiosa for the Andean Community (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia).
Peru and Colombia declared the presence of Xylella last year. During the event, Carlos Chacón Díaz from the University of Costa Rica spoke about raising awareness of the risks posed by Xylella fastidiosa and the work that BeXyl is doing to find practical solutions to this problem.

The news item from the Colombian Institute of Agriculture and Livestock: https://www.ica.gov.co/noticias/ica-fortalece-capacidades-xylellafastidiosa

Why is the ‘Leccino’ olive cultivar more resistant to Xylella fastidiosa than others?BeXyl Practice Abstract 6 explores ...
20/03/2026

Why is the ‘Leccino’ olive cultivar more resistant to Xylella fastidiosa than others?

BeXyl Practice Abstract 6 explores the genetic and immune determinants of resistance by comparing the highly susceptible ‘Ogliarola salentina’ with the resilient ‘Leccino’.

Key Insights:
✅ Genomic Mapping: Generation of high-quality, chromosome-scale genome assemblies for both cultivars.
✅ Immune Receptors: Identification of key differences in immune receptor gene families that may trigger defense responses.
✅ Functional Tools: Development of olive stem tissue and cell culture systems to test defense mechanisms in the lab.

Impact:
These resources support the breeding of new resistant cultivars and promote the long-term resilience of Mediterranean agroecosystems.

Understanding the molecular basis of resistance is a fundamental step toward sustainable management of Olive Quick Decline Syndrome (OQDS).

Read the full abstract collection here:
https://bexylproject.org/outcomes/documents/practice-abstracts


How does a plant pathogen adapt to new crops? This “host jump” is a critical event in emerging diseases. Researchers wit...
12/03/2026

How does a plant pathogen adapt to new crops? This “host jump” is a critical event in emerging diseases. Researchers within the BeXyl Project investigated how Xf subspecies fastidiosa moved from Central American coffee plants to US vineyards. 🧬🇺🇸

Key research findings:

✅ Genetic Upgrade: The jump isn’t accidental. Grape-infecting strains acquired specific mutations, acting as a “software upgrade” to colonize new hosts.

✅ Specialized Adaptation: We identified traits that allow the bacteria to thrive in vines, even while losing the ability to infect their original host.

✅ Evolutionary Speed: This adaptation happened relatively recently, showing how quickly Xylella can evolve when different subspecies meet.

Understanding these genetic “jumps” is vital to predict which crops might be at risk next and to improve global quarantine strategies. 🌳🛡️

🔬 Read the full study here:
https://bexylproject.org/outcomes/publications/a-pathogen-of-good-taste/
(or via our link in bio on IG)




Can naturally occurring viruses protect our crops from Xylella fastidiosa?BeXyl Practice Abstract 8 explores the use of ...
05/03/2026

Can naturally occurring viruses protect our crops from Xylella fastidiosa?

BeXyl Practice Abstract 8 explores the use of bacteriophages - viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria - as a sustainable biocontrol solution for European agriculture.

Key Insights:
🟢 Biocontrol: A nature-based, highly specific alternative to broad-spectrum chemical treatments.
🟢 Safety: Genomic analysis confirms a strictly lytic cycle with no risks to beneficial organisms or human health.
🟢 Efficacy: Significant reduction of bacterial populations and disease symptoms in grapevine and other hosts.
🟢 Application: Pilot trials show phages can both prevent infection and slow disease progression in the field.

Bacteriophages represent a safe and environmentally sustainable tool to be integrated into long-term IPM strategies.

Read the full abstract collection here: https://bexylproject.org/outcomes/documents/practice-abstracts/




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