Landscape and Vegetation Patterns Zoning Is a Methodological Tool for Management Costs Implications Due to Xylella fastidiosa Invasion

Abstract

Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus 1758, hereafter Ps) is considered one of the main insect vectors responsible for the spread of an alien biota, Xylella fastidiosa (Wells 1987, hereafter Xf), in the Salento area, Apulia region (Southern Italy). Effective management of this biological invader depends on the continuous surveillance and monitoring of its insect vector. As such, this research elicits the invasion drivers (i.e., landscape and vegetation indicators) that influence the abundance and the dynamics of this vector and, consequently, the spatial spread of this bacterium in this Italian region. For this purpose, a spatial pattern clustering methodological approach is considered. The results reveal that spatial variation and territorial differentiation may differ from zone to zone in the same invaded area, for which effective management and monitoring planning should be addressed. Further, six agro-ecosystems zones have been identified with respect to five indicators: (i) vegetation index, (ii) intensity of cultivation, (iii) cultural diversity, (iv) density of agricultural landscape elements, and (v) altitude. This paper has public implications and contributes to an understanding of how zoning of an infected area, by an alien biota, into homogenous zones may impact its effective management costs. This approach could also be applied in other countries affected or potentially affected by the phenomenon of Xf invasion.

Socio-Economic Risks Posed by a New Plant Disease in the Mediterranean Basin

“…In this way, Xf may overcome another geographical obstacle, exposing the Euro-Mediterranean (i.e., France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain), the Balkans (i.e., Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia), and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) (i.e., Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey) countries to different levels of introduction risk [17]. As a result of its establishment and spread, Xf can cause unacceptable socio-economic [18] and ecological impacts [19,20] as well as public and private management costs [21,22].…”

A Decade after the Outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Apulia (Southern Italy): Methodical Literature Analysis of Research Strategies

“…The ongoing monitoring and surveillance of its insect vector is essential for the efficient management of this biological intruder. Thus, Bozzo et al’s research [ 82 ] identifies the invasion factors (i.e., landscape and vegetation variables) that affect the quantity and dynamics of this vector and, as a result, the spatial expansion of this bacterium in this Italian region. In order to do this, a spatial pattern clustering analytical approach was taken into consideration.…”

Consumers’ Perceptions for an Outdoor Ornamental Plant: Exploring the Influence of Novel Plant Diseases Diagnostics and Sustainable Nurseries Cultivation Management

“…Import controls and inspections have become mandatory in Europe for plants intended for planting and for nurseries in demarcated areas [7]. The introduction of infected plants for planting, primarily from America, is the main driver of Xf introduction into new countries, and the presence of xylem-feeding insect vectors (such as Philaenus spumarius and Neophilaenus campestris, acting as the primary and secondary Xf vectors in Apulia, respectively) contributes to the local transmission and spread of this harmful bacterium [8]. Consequently, the adoption and implementation of novel plant diagnosis assays, utilizing serological and molecular tests [7], have been crucial for confirming the absence of pathogenic organisms like Xf in potted ornamental species, which is essential for regulatory decisions, reestablishment of pest-free areas, trade purposes, effectiveness of pest eradication strategies, pest risk analysis, and addressing consumer concerns.…”