First report of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Calabria, Italy
In Italy, Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A2 List), later identified as Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca, was first detected in Puglia in 2013 (EPPO RS 2013/184) and is under containment there since 2018 (RS 2022/111).
X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca was recently reported for the first time in Calabria region. Following a report from a private individual in the municipality of Taurianova concerning a suspected case of X. fastidiosa on an olive tree (Olea europaea) in a private garden, official inspections were conducted. Five olive trees were sampled in July and 30 olive trees in August 2026. 7 olive plants tested positive for the pest by molecular testing.
An infected zone of 50 m has been established around the infected trees in the Taurianova municipality and a buffer zone of 2.5 km has been established which intersects with Cittanova and Terranova Sappo Minulio municipalities. Eradication measures are implemented.
The pest status of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Italy is officially declared as: Present.
Sources
NPPO of Italy (2026-08).
Regione Calabria Giunta Regionale (01-09-2026) Individuazione del focolaio di Xylella fastidiosa sottospecie pauca in agro di Taurianova (RC) e istituzione dell'area delimitata ai sensi dell'art. 4, capo III, del Reg. UE 2020/1201. Accessible at: https://www.regione.calabria.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/DDS-n.-14746-del-01-09-2026.pdf
Regione Calabria Giunta Regionale (08-09-2026) Individuazione del focolaio di Xylella fastidiosa sottospecie pauca in agro di Taurianova (RC) e istituzione dell'area delimitata ai sensi dell'art. 4, capo III, del Reg. UE 2020/1201 – AGGIORNAMENTO DDS n. 14746 del 01/09/2026. Accessible at: https://www.regione.calabria.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Atto_numero_15068_del_08-09-2026.pdf?