Bexyl Project

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: bexylproject.org/outcomes/docum… @REA_research @IAS_CSIC

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: bexylproject.org/outcomes/docum… @REA_research @IAS_CSIC #BeXyl #Xylella #Bacteriophages #Biocontrol #SustainableFarming #PlantHealth

EFSA has launched a public consultation on two draft scientific opinions concerning the tools for Xylella fastidiosa management in the EU. Our members have actively contributed to these drafts, evaluating vector control strategies and in planta solutions. EFSA highlighted the urgent need for more large-scale field studies to bridge existing data gaps. Research plays an essential role to bridge scientific knowledge and decision-making on Xylella fastidiosa. Read our full commentary bexylproject.org/updates/news/e… #Xylella #PlantHealth #EFSA #BeXylProject @EFSA_EU @REA_research @IAS_CSIC

TODAY: The next #Xylella seminar, organized by BeXyl Project, EFSA, and Auburn University. Aniol Buisac (University of Girona) will present “Aggressiveness of Subspecies and STs of Xylella fastidiosa in the surrogated host Nicotiana benthamiana”. The session focuses on pathogen virulence and comparative studies on different sequence types (STs). The recording will be available later on the "Soluciones a Xylella fastidiosa" channel (PTI Sol-Xyl, CSIC). 🗓️ Date: Today, March 3rd ⏰ Time: 18:00 (CEST) 📧 Contact: xylella.seminars.bexyl@ias.csic.es @REA_research @IAS_CSIC

Yesterday, BeXyl partners from CSIC, in collaboration with CNR and CRSFA, conducted field applications of two bacterial consortia as preventive and curative treatments. Technical Context: 👉 Selection: The bacterial consortia were identified and selected within the framework of Work Package 6 👉 Composition: The treatments are composed of different genera of naturally occurring xylem-inhabiting bacteria. 👉 Trial Conditions: The field plot is planted with the "Favolosa variety and is characterized by high Xylella fastidiosa inoculum pressure. The BeXyl consortium acknowledges @fertinyect for providing the specialized devices required for the application. #BeXylProject #XylellaFastidiosa #PlantHealth @IAS_CSIC @CSIC @CNRsocial_ #CRSFA

🔍 Can we detect Xylella before symptoms appear? Insights from proximal sensing research. Early detection is one of the most significant challenges in managing Xylella fastidiosa. Often, by the time symptoms like leaf scorch become visible, the pathogen has already heavily colonized the plant. 🛡️🌳 A study conducted by BeXyl Project researchers shows that proximal sensing technology can bridge this gap. By analyzing leaf spectral data, researchers looked for physiological "fingerprints" of infection that are invisible to the naked eye. Key findings: ✅ Asymptomatic Colonization: All tested Xf strains successfully colonized olive plants without inducing immediate symptoms, confirming the "hidden" nature of the infection. ✅ Spectral Fingerprints: Even in asymptomatic plants, handheld sensors detected specific alterations in leaf pigments and physiological indices. ✅ High Precision: The selected spectral indices proved to be reliable predictors, achieving over 90% accuracy in identifying infected plants across different cultivars and strains. These tools offer a promising path for earlier detection, supporting better outbreak management and the development of resistant varieties. 🔬✨ 🔬 Read more here: lnkd.in/dbAN9yfa @REA_research @IAS_CSIC

How does Xylella fastidiosa adapt to new hosts and environments? BeXyl Practice Abstract 7 reconstructs the pathogen's spread by combining population genomics with historical DNA analysis. Key Insights: 🟢 Origins: Analysis of a 1906 specimen traces the U.S. introduction to the early 18th century. 🟢 Genomic Adaptation: Identified specific genetic changes (SNPs) linked to host shifts in grapevine and olive. 🟢 Independent Evolution: Parallel shifts to olive in Italy and Brazil occurred through distinct, non-convergent pathways. 🟢 Impact: These findings improve our ability to anticipate and manage emerging plant diseases. Integrating historical specimens with modern genomics provides a powerful framework for resolving disease origins. Read the full collection here: bexylproject.org/outcomes/docum… @REA_research @IAS_CSIC #BeXyl #Xylella #Biosecurity #PlantHealth

BeXyl’s researchers presented an update on the results on thermal treatment obtained in the project to the European Nurserystock Association (ENA) in Essen, Germany. Outbreaks of #Xylella fastidiosa in Europe pose a severe threat to the economic and ecological contribution of the plant nursery sector to forestry and agriculture. Thanks to the research on the use of thermal treatments for plant sanitation led by Pierfederico La Notte of CNR and Josep M. Pagès of ENA, the BeXyl project is shedding new light on ways to ensure the production and trade of Xylella-free nursery materials. @CNRsocial_ #ENA #EuropeanNurseryStock @IAS_CSIC @REA_research

📢 #TODAY New Xylella Seminars organised by @BexylP @EFSA_EU & @AuburnU 👉 Seminar: Xylem sap growth and biofilm formation of Xylella fastidiosa and its connection with host adaptation and virulence 🗣️🎙️Speaker: Mamata K C, Auburn University, USA 📆 10 Feb ⏰ 18.00 CET @IAS_CSIC

What if we could neutralize Xylella by stripping away its primary weapon? 🛡️🦠 Like a molecular fortress, Xylella fastidiosa protects itself with a toxic shield called LPS (Endotoxin). This shield isn't just a barrier; it's what makes the pathogen so dangerous. In our latest study, BeXyl Project researchers found the "keys" to unlock and disable this defense: Peptides. The mission's success points: ✅ Screening the library: We synthesized and tested 36 different peptides to find the perfect match. ✅ The "Super-Peptides": We identified 6 lead candidates with an extraordinary ability to bind and neutralize the toxin. ✅ Double Strike: 5 of these candidates didn't just disarm the shield—they attacked the bacteria directly, while remaining safe for the host plant. 🌳✨ 🔬 Read the full study here: bexylproject.org/outcomes/publi… #PlantHealth #Xylella #Biotechnology #Microbiology #bexylproject @REA_research @IAS_CSIC

🌱 ¡Abierto plazo solicitudes! Nueva ronda para unirse a los Living Labs y Research Infrastructures de la #AgroecologyPartnership donde participa la @AgEInves. 👉 Contribuye a la transición hacia sistemas agroalimentarios más sostenibles. 🔗agroecologypartnership.eu #Agroecología

Women make up just 34% of researchers in the EU. Commissioner @EZaharievaEU launched a call for evidence to shape an Action plan for women in R&I, tackling gender gaps and boosting equality in the European Research Area by 2030. Have your say by 23 Feb: link.europa.eu/hh3vx6

National Pesticide Safety Education Month is the perfect time to share information on safe pesticide use and practices with those around you. Visit this website for information on a variety of pesticide safety topics. bit.ly/4tnRSLx #pesticidesafetymonth

Researching veterinary sciences? Tell the full story of your #H2020, #HorizonEU, #MSCActions and @costprogramme research by publishing a range of outputs, open access, and with no author-facing fees with Open Research Europe. spr.ly/6011hHpJh

🚀 New report: ERC frontier research for advanced materials Discover how breakthroughs in materials science drive transformative change – for a more sustainable, resilient and prosperous Europe. 👉 bit.ly/4qNq9SK @EUScienceInnov

🌟 Read the new report on ERC #FrontierResearch in #AdvancedMaterials and find out why the fundamental research pursued today is essential to tackling the societal challenges of tomorrow. 👉 bit.ly/4qNq9SK @EUScienceInnov