19 October 2026
Millions of olive trees in southern Italy are under threat from Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium that causes trees to dry out and die. The outbreak has devastated parts of Puglia, transforming landscapes and destroying family olive groves that have been passed down through generations. But what is being done to save the region’s ancient olive trees, and could the disease spread to other Mediterranean countries? The Independent takes a closer look at the efforts to tackle the outbreak and protect one of Italy’s most important agricultural and cultural traditions.
