Xylella fastidiosa is not detected yet in Jordan: survey results

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a destructive pathogen which attacks a wide range of hosts of more than 350 plant, causing various diseases. Recent outbreak of X. fastidiosa in olives and other major crops in many countries in the European Union and other countries in the region is considered a serious threat to the Jordanian agricultural sector. Therefore, a survey was conducted during the years 2016-till now for the presence of this bacterium in Jordan on different hosts including olive (no. of samples: 975), grapevine (560), stone fruits (670), pome fruits (80), citrus fruits (790) oleander (120), rosemary (225) ornamentals plants (985) grown all over Jordan. Samples were taken from plants showing suspicious symptoms and from asymptomatic plants, and potential Hemiptera insect vector samples were also collected. All plant samples were tested for the presence of X. fastidiosa using commercial ELISA kits, followed by molecular confirmation by conventional PCR using 3 set of primers. Insect's samples were tested using real a time LAMP PCR commercial kit. All tested samples did not show any positive results in comparison to the positive controls. These results demonstrate that X. fastidiosa is not detected yet in Jordan. However, extensive monitoring program and checking the borders are needed to prevent the entry of this pest into the country.