Bexyl Project

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!

🍽️🚫 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 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

🫐🧬 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