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Review

Chemical Treatments Tested Against Xylella fastidiosa: Strategies, Successes and Limitations

1
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
2
National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133 Palermo, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pathogens 2025, 14(9), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090840 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 14 July 2025 / Revised: 11 August 2025 / Accepted: 20 August 2025 / Published: 23 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Pathogens)

Abstract

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a Gram-negative bacterium responsible for severe diseases in several commercially significant crops, including olive, grapevine, citrus and almond. Its management is particularly challenging due to its transmission via widespread vector insects, its ability to form biofilms, its high genetic diversity and, sometimes, latent symptoms. Current control strategies focus on integrated and preventive approaches, including the use of resistant varieties, agronomic practices, and vector control through chemical and biological methods. Direct control of the bacterium has always been a complex challenge that includes strategies to limit vector presence and activity in the field; however, several compounds have recently been evaluated that are able to inhibit biofilm formation and Xf growth. This review provides an up-to-date summary of studies investigating the efficacy of various treatments based on organic compounds, synthetic molecules and salt- or metal-based formulations. By evaluating the results of in vitro and in vivo experiments, the most promising solutions were identified that address the main challenges and limitations of chemical control strategies. These include N-acetylcysteine and zinc- and copper-based formulations, which are effective and potentially transferable to the field for crops such as citrus and olive trees. Antimicrobial peptides and nanoparticles, on the other hand, have demonstrated high efficacy in vitro, although further studies directly in the field are required. The evidence emerging from the analyzed studies offer insights to guide future research towards more effective and sustainable management approaches to mitigate the spread and impact of Xf.
Keywords: control strategies; bacteria; in vivo; in vitro experiments control strategies; bacteria; in vivo; in vitro experiments

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MDPI and ACS Style

Portaccio, L.; Vergine, M.; Bene, A.; De Pascali, M.; Sabella, E.; De Bellis, L.; Luvisi, A. Chemical Treatments Tested Against Xylella fastidiosa: Strategies, Successes and Limitations. Pathogens 2025, 14, 840. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090840

AMA Style

Portaccio L, Vergine M, Bene A, De Pascali M, Sabella E, De Bellis L, Luvisi A. Chemical Treatments Tested Against Xylella fastidiosa: Strategies, Successes and Limitations. Pathogens. 2025; 14(9):840. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090840

Chicago/Turabian Style

Portaccio, Letizia, Marzia Vergine, Alessandro Bene, Mariarosaria De Pascali, Erika Sabella, Luigi De Bellis, and Andrea Luvisi. 2025. "Chemical Treatments Tested Against Xylella fastidiosa: Strategies, Successes and Limitations" Pathogens 14, no. 9: 840. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090840

APA Style

Portaccio, L., Vergine, M., Bene, A., De Pascali, M., Sabella, E., De Bellis, L., & Luvisi, A. (2025). Chemical Treatments Tested Against Xylella fastidiosa: Strategies, Successes and Limitations. Pathogens, 14(9), 840. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14090840

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