Prevention of X. fastidiosa in intensive olive & almond plantations applying productive green farming practices

LIFE RESILIENCE aims to develop through crossbreeding pathogen-resistant and productive olive genotypes along with innovate natural vector control methods that are effective in preventing the negative effects of XF. In this way, the project will lead to the production varieties of olive and olive oils with a range of organoleptic qualities, increasing their competitiveness on the market.
Specifically, the project will demonstrate sustainable practices for the intensive production of olive and almonds on 250 ha in Spain, Italy and Portugal. These practices will be shown to reduce water consumption, lower the carbon footprint, increase biodiversity and increase resistance to pests and pathogens, all without reducing yield. The outcome will be a model of climate change adaptation best practice that is replicable for production of olive, almond and other woody crops (e.g. citrus trees and grapevines). During the project the results will be replicated over ten times the pilot area (2 500 ha), facilitated through transnational collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
The project will contribute to the EUs Sustainable Use of pesticides Directive, the 2030 Climate & Energy package and the Soil Thematic Strategy, among others.
Expected results:
* Resilience & Sustainability: o 10-20 new varieties of olive plant developed that are both XF resistant and able to withstand intensive production systems (tested in both infected and non-infected regions); o Demonstration of a sustainable best practice, as well as the utilisation of cutting-edge technology, to increase the resilience of both olive and almond crops (150 ha in Spain,50 ha in Italy and 50 ha Portugal);
o Increased biodiversity of the areas with the introduction of additional flora and fauna, through the use of insect hotels and nest boxes; o Reduced GHG emissions (by 18 665 tonnes of CO eq.) through the reduced phytosanitary applications, as well as decreased water usageand tillage. Cover crops for increased carbon fixing will also be utilised; o Decreased vector insect population through natural vector control methods, such as the introduction of plants into the field systems to serve as cover crops and to host natural enemies to XF vectors; o Improvements in tree health and resilience through the increase in phenolic compounds and the lowering of water stress; and o A handbook of best practices, including natural vector control methods, to aid replication and knowledge transfer.
* Quality: o Increased quality by 30% by improving the soil and plant health, as well as the efficient use of phytosanitaries; and o Reduced water consumption by 20% in olive fields, which will improve the concentration of the fruit by putting the plants under water-stress. This will reduce the individual olive water content by 10%, which in turn will reduce fuel cost and consumption owing to the reduced weight of olives.
* Socio-economic benefits: o Avoidance of unemployment through the preservation of 13 farms from the XF bacteria; o Decreased production costs by around 60% through savings on expensive inputs; and o More than a million EU farmers aware of the environmental and economic dangers posed by XF, as well as the best practices for avoiding plant infection.