Pelargonium x fragrans, a new species found positive to Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia

The Official Bulletin of the Apulia Region has published the decision of  the Regional Phytosanitary Service to include Pelargonium x fragrans in the list of species submitted to the restrictions imposed by the EC Decision N. 2015/789/UE for plant hosts of Xylella fastidiosa.

Pelargonium x fragrans, a common houseplant hybrid between Pelargonium odoratissimum and Pelargonium exstipulatum, in the Geraniaceae family, had been found susceptible to Xylella fastidiosa in the Salento area, Apulia (Italy).

This plant, also known as ‘scented geranium’ and very common in home gardens and as an outdoor perennial, whose leaves are very aromatic and are commonly used in potpourri, is so far the 26th species found positive to Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia.