Tests find trees tolerant to olive tree killer pathogen

By Mark Kinver Environment reporter, BBC News

Image copyright EPPO Image caption The invasive pathogen has affected thousands of hectares of olive plantations in Puglia, southern Italy

Tests suggests some varieties of olive trees appear to be resistant to an invasive pathogen posing a serious risk to Europe’s olive industry.

The findings came to light during a study into the host range of the bacteria, which reached Europe in 2013.

The findings offer hope of limiting the impact of Xylella fastidiosa that experts described as one of the “most dangerous plant pathogens worldwide”.

If it is not controlled, it could decimate the EU olive oil industry. Read more.