Xylella fastidiosa

Photo: Alex H Purcell, University of California, Berkeley, Bugwood.org

A bacterium that lives in the water conducting system (xylem) of plants Grapevines show symptoms of water stress, such as leaf scorch, and the plant progressively weakens and dies Can be transmitted in infected propagation material and by leafhoppers such as the exotic glassy-winged sharpshooter Present in North America, Central America and some regions of South America. It is present in a restricted range in Italy, Iran and Taiwan, and is under eradication in some other countries in Europe. View a distribution map. The diseases caused by Xylella fastidiosa go by a range of names depending on the host species, including: Pierce’s disease, almond leaf scorch, bacterial leaf scorch, citrus variegated chlorosis, olive quick decline and olive leaf scorch.

Other information

• National Xylella Preparedness Workshop
• Workshop outcomes
• Surveillance programs (including Xylella)
• Glassy winged sharpshooter
• Xylella and exotic vectors (Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment)

High priority pest of: Almonds, Berries, Blueberries, Cherries, Citrus, Coffee, Macadamias, Nursery and Garden, Olives, Pecans, Summerfruit (& canned fruit), Viticulture (dried, table and wine grapes)

Scientific name: Xylella fastidiosa including X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex and pauca
EPPRD Category: 2
Life Form: Bacteria

Pest Documents

• Bacterial leaf scorch and sharpshooter FS Blueberries
• Cherry leaf scorch FS
• Pierce’s disease (Almond leaf scorch) FS
• Pierce’s disease (Avocado leaf scorch) FS
• Pierce’s disease (Citrus variegated chlorosis) FS
• Pierce’s disease FS Grapes
• Xylella fastidiosa CP N&G 2017
• Pierce's disease DP
• National Xylella Action Plan

FS: fact sheet

CP: contingency plan

DP: diagnostic protocol