Considerable debate is brewing around Puglia in Italy where many long-established olive trees are threatened with destruction because they are within a specified distance of a tree infected with a destructive bacterium (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/22/italy-farmers-olive-trees-xylella-blight-cow-dung-puglia). The argument seems to revolve around one group advocating containment by destruction to prevent further spread and another group suggesting that most olive trees harbour xylella blight (which is only expressed when the tree is 'stressed') and the condition can be managed by the liberal application of copper sulphate and cow dung. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as their are academics supporting both sides.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Sunday, 22 July 2018
Oiling the Olives?
Considerable debate is brewing around Puglia in Italy where many long-established olive trees are threatened with destruction because they are within a specified distance of a tree infected with a destructive bacterium (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/22/italy-farmers-olive-trees-xylella-blight-cow-dung-puglia). The argument seems to revolve around one group advocating containment by destruction to prevent further spread and another group suggesting that most olive trees harbour xylella blight (which is only expressed when the tree is 'stressed') and the condition can be managed by the liberal application of copper sulphate and cow dung. It will be interesting to see how this plays out as their are academics supporting both sides.
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