Spatial analysis of climatic and dispersion characteristics of Xylella fastidiosa outbreak by insect vectors

<em>Xylella fastidiosa</em> Dispersion on Vegetal Hosts on Demarcated Zones in the North Region of Portugal

“…Among countries without ongoing outbreaks, those in the Mediterranean basin, notably Turkey at the highest level of risk, followed by Greece, Morocco, and Tunisia at a high-risk level, are most vulnerable to Xf's arrival and establishment. The ranking model also underscores the susceptibility of southern European countries (Italy, Portugal, and Spain), where the pathogen has previously been detected [50].…”

“…Among the key European insect vectors are members of the Aphrophoridae family, such as Philaenus spumarius (Ps), Philaenus italosignus, and Neophilaenus campestris [5,47]. These insects are widely distributed in tropical and temperate climates, inhabiting forests, meadows, and grasslands [48][49][50]. They acquire the bacteria while feeding on infected plants, becoming hosts themselves.…”

“…The plant nurseries within this Demarcated Area could represent a potential source of outbreaks. Consequently, a genuine risk exists that Xf could continue to breach geographical barriers and potentially triggering significant disease outbreaks [20,50].…”

“…Altitude, precipitation of warmest quarter, mean temperature of coldest quarter, and land cover provided a total contribution of 19.5% [87]. Yoon et al (2023), reported that 90 % of precipitation density ranged from 19 to 112 mm, was suitable for Xf occurrence. Moreover, the average precipitation and high standard deviation suggested that the infections occurred easily in environments with regular precipitation with relatively large seasonal variations [50].…”

“…Yoon et al (2023), reported that 90 % of precipitation density ranged from 19 to 112 mm, was suitable for Xf occurrence. Moreover, the average precipitation and high standard deviation suggested that the infections occurred easily in environments with regular precipitation with relatively large seasonal variations [50]. According to the National Institute of Statistics, in 2022, the average precipitation during the first and second quarters of the year was 37.2mm and 35.4mm respectively, creating favorable conditions for the establishment of Xf on North of Portugal.…”