Prevent the spread of the plant pest Xylella fastidiosa!
In Luxembourg, the plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa has been detected in areas along the Moselle River. This bacterium can cause significant damage to, for example, grapevines, almond trees, and various ornamental and wild plants.
An infestation can lead to significant economic damage. Therefore, it is important to prevent its spread as much as possible. For this purpose, buffer zones have been established in two areas within the municipality of Konz. These areas include Wasserliesch, Oberbillig, Nittel, and Wellen.
The Supervisory and Service Directorate (ADD) Rhineland-Palatinate invites citizens from these local communities to a Information event one. This takes place on November 9, 2026 at 6 p.m. in the House of Fisheries (Brückenstraße 6b) in Oberbillig instead of.
Restrictive measures will soon be in place in the buffer zones. The details of these measures will be defined in a [document/document/etc.]. "General decree" Confirmed. Suspicious plants or plant parts should not be moved to other locations until the matter has been clarified.
How can you identify Xylella fastidiosa?
Possible symptoms include drying leaf margins, shoot dieback, stunted growth, and yield losses. In grapevines, Xylella fastidiosa can cause Pierce's disease. Severe cases can lead to the death of the vines. The symptoms are not always clear and can also have other causes, such as drought. Infected plants can also be asymptomatic. A definitive diagnosis is only possible through laboratory testing.
How is the bacterium transmitted?
The bacterium is primarily transmitted by certain insects that feed on sap from the water-conducting vessels of infected plants. These include, for example, various cicada species. An infected cicada can transmit the bacterium to other host plants. Mechanical handling of infected plants can also contribute to the spread of the bacterium. Moving infected plants can also spread the bacterium and enable it to spread further.
What to do in case of a suspected case?
1. Photograph the symptoms of the plant.
2. Mark the plant in large stands.
3. Send the photo, including the plant species, location, and symptoms, to: Xylella@add.rlp.de
Please also report any findings where you are unsure whether it is actually an outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa. Reporting as early as possible can help to quickly identify an infestation and initiate appropriate measures.
More information about the fire blight bacterium Xylella fastidiosa can be found on the ADD website. HERE .