Threat ofXylella fastidiosaand options for mitigation in infected plants

Abstract

AbstractThe bacterial pathogenXylella fastidiosacontinues to threaten agricultural production of many different crops around the world, with significant economic burden from crop loss, disease management, and surveillance costs. In addition to direct economic consequences, plant diseases caused byX. fastidiosahave had significant societal impacts in the most affected regions. AlthoughX. fastidiosainfects long-term perennial crops and landscape plants, there has never been a truly effective treatment for plants once they become infected. This review discusses the threat ofX. fastidiosato agriculture, landscapes, and global commerce, in addition to the most recent progress in treatment forX. fastidiosain infected plants. Current disease mitigation options include nutritional, chemical, biocontrol, and plant resistance-based strategies, with the potential to develop combined management approaches. Overall, several strategies are promising for disease suppression but there is still opportunity for innovation, especially in treatment approaches that can be administered systemically by soil or foliar spray routes. Prevention of severe disease outcomes and crop loss, and the ability to suppress pathogen populations and reduce transmission without heavy reliance on insecticides would have significant economic and environmental benefits.