The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has updated its database of host plants for Xylella spp., incorporating findings from a systematic literature search covering publications up to 31 December 2025. The scientific report, published on 29 June 2026, expands the list of plant species known to be susceptible to the bacterial pathogen, which causes devastating diseases such as olive quick decline syndrome.
The update is based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature, including peer-reviewed studies, reports, and other relevant sources. The database serves as a key reference for risk assessment, surveillance, and control measures against Xylella fastidiosa, a quarantine pest in the European Union. The pathogen has caused severe economic losses in olive groves in southern Italy, particularly in the Apulia region, and poses a threat to other Mediterranean crops.
EFSA's systematic approach ensures that the host plant list remains current, supporting EU member states in implementing phytosanitary measures. The updated database includes newly identified host species, which may influence regulatory decisions on plant movement and eradication efforts. The report does not specify the exact number of new entries or changes compared to previous versions, but it underscores the ongoing scientific effort to track the pathogen's potential spread.
The update comes amid continued EU efforts to contain Xylella outbreaks. The European Commission has funded research projects and coordinated surveillance programs, while affected regions have implemented strict quarantine and removal of infected plants. The expanded host database may lead to broader restrictions on plant trade and increased monitoring requirements for nurseries and agricultural producers.
Stakeholders most impacted include EU agricultural producers, particularly olive growers in Mediterranean regions, who face potential crop losses and compliance costs. Plant nurseries and traders may encounter tighter regulations on the movement of susceptible species. National plant health authorities will use the updated list to refine inspection and eradication strategies. The scientific community benefits from an authoritative reference for further research on Xylella epidemiology and host-pathogen interactions.