XF-ACTORS: the new EU H2020 funded research project entirely dedicated to Xylella fastidiosa
The European Commission announced, through the web portal of CORDIS, that the project “Xylella Fastidiosa Active Containment Through a multidisciplinary-Oriented Research Strategy (XF-ACTORS)” has been funded under the H2020 Programme – EU.3.2.1.1. – Increasing production efficiency and coping with climate change, while ensuring sustainability and resilience – Topic SFS-09-2016 – Spotlight on critical outbreak of pests: the case of Xylella fastidiosa.
The project will officially start on November 1st, 2016 and the approved research work plan will be completed by the end of October 2020.
XF-ACTORS is a large consortium involving 25 EU Partners and 4 Research Institutions from Third Countries (USA, Brazil, Costa Rica and Taiwan) where the pathogen is already established and relevant research programs have been undertaken to combat this harmful plant pathogenic bacterium.
The Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection of the Italian National Research Council will lead the Consortium under the scientific coordination of Dr. Maria Saponari.
The project expected outcomes cover the implementation of preventive measures (i.e. strengthen EU plant biosecurity) and integrated management strategies for reducing the impact of the diseases associated with Xylella fastidiosa in the areas where the pathogen becomes established. To this end, the research program will focus on developing new scientific knowledge on the bacterium, the vector(s), the hosts and their interactions with the environment and the agricultural practices.
XF-ACTORS project will be complementary to the grant agreement N° 635646 – Pest Organisms Threatening Europe (POnTE).
On 14th-16th of November, it will take place the Kick-Off meeting of this new EU-funded project. The program of the meeting includes the active participation of POnTE representatives which will report the progress status of the research on this topic within POnTE.
