Survey for the presence of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain CoDiRO in some forestry and ornamental species in the Salento peninsula

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a xylem-inhabiting and vector-transmitted quarantinable bacterium that causes a variety of diseases in a broad range of plant hosts. Recently, the presence of Xf was reported in the province of Lecce (south-east Italy) in oleander, almond, cherry and some ornamental species, showing desiccation and scorching of the leaves and, in olive, in which it induces a severe disorder denoted 'quick decline syndrome' (OQDS). The spittlebug Philaenus spumarius is the currently ascertained local vector.