Eco-Epidemiological Uncertainties of Emerging Plant Diseases: The Challenge of Predicting Xylella fastidiosa Dynamics in Novel Environments

Abstract

In order to prevent and control the emergence of biosecurity threats such as vector-borne diseases of plants, it is vital to understand drivers of entry, establishment, and spatio-temporal spread, as well as the form, timing and effectiveness of disease management strategies. An inherent challenge for policy in combatting emerging disease is the uncertainty associated with intervention planning in areas not yet affected, based on models and data from current outbreaks. Following the recent high-profile emergence of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa in several European countries, we review the most pertinent epidemiological uncertainties concerning this bacterium dynamics in novel environments. To reduce the considerable ecological and socio-economic impacts of these outbreaks, eco-epidemiological research in a broader range of environmental conditions needs to be conducted and used to inform policy to enhance disease risk assessment, and support successful policy-making decisions. By characterising infection pathways, we can highlight the uncertainties that surround our knowledge of this disease, drawing attention to how these are amplified when trying to predict and manage outbreaks in currently unaffected locations. To help guide future research and decision-making processes, we invited experts in different fields of plant pathology to identify data to prioritise when developing pest-risk assessments. Our analysis revealed that epidemiological uncertainty is mainly driven by the large variety of hosts, vectors, and bacterial strains, leading to a range of different epidemiological characteristics further magnified by novel environmental conditions. These results offer new insights on how eco-epidemiological analyses can enhance understanding of plant disease spread and support management recommendations.

Comparative Genomics of Xylella fastidiosa Explores Candidate Host-Specificity Determinants and Expands the Known Repertoire of Mobile Genetic Elements and Immunity Systems

“…Originally confined to the Americas, X. fastidiosa has spread to various plant species in a number of European countries, possibly through the importation of infected plant material [ 9 , 21 , 22 ]. Currently, most of X. fastidiosa strains are categorized in three major subspecies, fastidiosa , pauca and multiplex, which are presumed to have originated in Central America (subsp.…”

Investigating dispersal abilities of Aphrophoridae in European temperate regions to assess the threat of potential Xylella fastidiosa-based pathosystems

“…Knowledge gaps must be addressed for other European regions where the bacterium has not yet been in contact with local fauna and flora. Characterization of the potential insect vector population in such areas is therefore essential, including the identification of the main potential vector species, and the study of their abundance, feeding preferences and mobility (Occhibove et al 2020).…”

Salicaceae as potential host plants ofXylella fastidiosain European temperate regions

“…On the other hand, the potential impact in northern European regions outside of its present distribution range, remains uncertain (Occhibove et al, 2020). Despite X. fastidiosa has been generally associated to warm areas (i.e., Mediterranean climate) (Bosso et al, 2016), temperate climates do not seem to be a barrier for bacterial growth, as some strains have already been encountered in colder areas e.g.…”