1. Background
The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a devastating pathogen which affects more than 300 plant hosts belonging to crop, ornamental, forestry and natural vegetation species. Among them Citrus, grapes, almonds and olive are of main importance in the Near East and North Africa region.

Following the outbreaks of X. fastidiosa associated to the olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS) in Apulia (Italy), the National Plant Protections Organizations of the North-African and Near East countries have strongly expressed their concern and the need to get further information and training on Xylella fastidosa and the quick decline syndrome of olive to be able to prevent the introduction and spread of this pest.

As a result, a first workshop is organized to share updated information on the syndrome and train NPPOs on Xylella fastidiosa and relatedvectors, and on aspects as surveillance, diagnostic and control methods.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) as well as the Near-East Plant Protection Organization (NEPPO), the European Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (MAIB) and the
CIHEAM-IAM Bari and Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR) – Bari are joining forces to organize a workshop to share updated information on the disease and train NPPOs on this pathogen and relative vectors, and on surveillance, diagnostic and control methods.
2. Organization of the Workshop
Organizers: FAO (Near East and North Africa Regional Office), the IPPC as well as NEPPO, EPPO, CIHEAM-IAM Bari and CNR-Bari are joining forces to organize this workshop.

Location: The workshop will be held at the CIHEAM facilities in Bari. Participants will be able to see the symptoms and impacts of this bacterium in the field, and to be trained on surveillance (quick decline syndrome and vectors), diagnostic methods and control measures.

Target audience: NPPO staff and researchers specifically working on X. fastidiosa and the quick decline syndrome of olive. About 60 participants are expected from all over the Mediterranean basin.
3. Tentative programme of the workshop
Tuesday 19th of April
Morning
Session 1: Opening; general presentations on the pathogen and relative vectors and disease impact; the Apulian outbreak; the state of the research.
Afternoon
Session 2: PRAs and existing projects (EUPHRESCO, FAO, etc.)

Wednesday 20th of April
Morning
Session 3: Legal aspects, presentation of the EC legislation, presentation of other countries legislations and implications for trade. Discussion on contingency measures with experts.
Afternoon
Session 4: Surveillance and control methods.

Thursday 21st of April
Field trip dedicated to field observations and sampling procedures.

Friday 22nd of April
Morning
Demonstration of diagnostic assays
Afternoon
Session 5: Communication aspects on Xylella fastidiosa and the Olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS), as well as on pests in general.

There is no registration fee but participants will cover their meals and transportation while on the spot.

Pre-registration are open until the 31st of March. To register please click here (https://ippc.wufoo.com/forms/international-workshop-on-xylella-fastidiosa/)
Call for abstracts is open until the 15th of March. To submit an abstract please click here (https://ippc.wufoo.com/forms/call-for-abstract-xylella-fastidiosa-workshop/).