On October 12, the presence of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa was confirmed on a myrtle-leaf milkwort (Polygala myrtifolia) planted in a central reservation in Nice, with the multiplex strain identical to the one discovered in Corsica last July.
The Prefect of Alpes-Maritimes, Mr. Adolphe Colrat, held a meeting yesterday with key stakeholders (*) to organize a discussion on the measures to be taken:
The first emergency measure involves treating the infected area within a 100-meter radius around the plant carrying the bacterium to prevent any spread.
The municipal services of Nice have already proceeded with the treatment of public spaces (disinsection; removal and incineration of potentially suspicious plants).
There remains the task of treating the plants held by approximately sixty individuals within the zone. An inter-service team will handle this treatment, and the concerned individuals will bear no costs and will not need to take any action. Estimates indicate about sixty cases.
10 species of plants will be banned from sale, and surveillance will be strengthened to prevent other cases.
The Prefect emphasized that the decree was part of a pragmatic and evolving approach. The measures taken will adapt if necessary to the reality of new cases that may be discovered.
These 10 species, very common, are among the most susceptible to contamination by the bacterium. Contamination can occur through insects, but also during pruning or cuttings.
“These plants will be held at nurseries until further notice,” specified Franรงois Goussรฉ, who heads the regional directorate of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry.
Here is the list of the 10 species banned from commercialization
Acer pseudoplatanus – Sycamore maple,
Cytisus racemosus – Tenerife broom,
Genista ephedroides – Bearberry false broom,
Hebe sp – Shrubby veronica,
Lavendula dentata – Toothed lavender and all its hybrids,
Myrtus communis L. – Common myrtle,
Pelaronium graveolens – Scented pelargonium,
Polygala myrtifolia L. – Myrtle-leaf milkwort,
Rosmarinus officinalis L. – Rosemary,
Spartium junceum L. – Spanish broom
