Plant Health research collaboration in the Mediterranean region: case studies on citrus tristeza virus, tomato brown rugose fruit virus and Xylella fastidiosa

Abstract

Strengthening Plant Health research is a major challenge for Mediterranean countries. The diversity and fragmentation of the research landscape in this region have weakened the impacts of national efforts. Mediterranean countries can benefit from coordination of research activities to increase efficiency and impacts. The initiative ‘Plant health research priorities for the Mediterranean region’, led by the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari)1 and the Euphresco network for phytosanitary research coordination and funding2 can promote convergence of national programmes and optimize the use of the scarce funding available to plant health, thus strengthening international cooperation and increasing the excellence and relevance of research.