Mallorca almond trees hit by Xylella: 300 meet in Palma

Mallorca’s almond trees face a bacterial disease: around 300 researchers, technicians and other specialists gather in Palma, Mallorca, on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, to discuss how to protect crops. The disease, Xylella fastidiosa, was first detected in Spain on Mallorca in 2016. It has also affected olive trees and vines in the Balearic Islands.

A decade of research

Since that first detection, researchers have monitored and diagnosed Xylella and looked for ways to manage its effects on crops. Diego Olmo and his team helped identify the first case. His work has since focused on diagnosis and ways to contain and control the disease.

At a session on Monday, specialists discussed how Xylella has developed in Spain and across Europe, along with ways to track and manage it. Almond, olive and vine growers and nursery representatives also took part.

What farmers need next

Balearic agriculture minister Joan Simonet says research must give farmers tools they can use. They need to understand what is happening to their crops, how to prevent disease and what alternatives could help them keep producing, he said.

The Spanish Society of Plant Pathology has received a direct €65,000 grant for the congress. On Wednesday, the programme turns to detecting and diagnosing Xylella, including research into how the bacterium was introduced to the Balearics and how climate change affects the disease.

Topics: Agriculture · Palma

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com