Additions to regulations concerning the movement of five plant species, in efforts to combat ‘Xylella Fastidiosa’, have been in effect since July 1, announced the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Medicine (DGAV).
The plants affected include ‘Lavandula angustifolia’, ‘Lavandula x intermedia’, ‘Lavandula latifolia’, ‘Lavandula stoechas’, and ‘Salvia rosmarinus’, which are grown outside demarcated areas and are permitted to circulate within EU territory only if they undergo annual official inspections.
Additionally, these species must be part of a sampling plan that can detect a 1% infection level in plants with at least 80% confidence.
‘Xylella Fastidiosa’ impacts various botanical species, such as vineyards, olive groves, almond orchards, and citrus plantations.
This bacterium hinders the plants’ absorption of water and nutrients, leading to leaf scorch, death of some branches, and potentially the entire plant.
The DGAV is a central service of the state’s direct administration with administrative autonomy.
