Xylella fastidiosa – the Apocalypse of Salento is an award-winning look (and short documentary-style 15-minute film) into the devastating effects of this deadly disease on historic olive trees in Puglia, Italy.

As well as Italy, Xylella is now found in France, Portugal, and Spain, and $10 billion annual production losses are estimated if spread continues throughout the European Union.

Although kiwifruit it not a reported host of Xylella, multiple strains have been found globally and the potential threat is unknown. KVH is taking a proactive approach and is an active member of the Xylella Action Group, which was formed to improve New Zealand’s readiness in the event of an incursion. One of the key things the group has identified is the need to update the principles of control and eradication for Xylella, as well as core operational activities so that everyone can hit the ground running as soon as in incursion is known.

KVH also continues to support research into Xylella and is part a project underway by the Better Border Biosecurity (B3) partnership to learn more about the pathogen and potential vectors in New Zealand.