Mallorca's Xylella bacteria: €5.3m to contain spread

Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, has a plant bacterium that can affect almond trees, vines and olive trees: the Balearic government approves €5.3 million on 13 November 2026 to contain Xylella fastidiosa and watch for other pests. Government spokesman Antoni Costa says public company Tragsa will carry out the work from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2031. The bacterium has also been found on Menorca and Eivissa.

More positive tests, more host plants

Since Xylella was first confirmed on Mallorca in 2016, official laboratories have found more positive cases. Across the Balearic Islands, they have identified 38 plant species that can host the bacterium. Formentera remains the only island without a positive test. Surveillance there is intended to keep it out.

Checks at nurseries, ports and airports

The work goes beyond removing infected plants. Teams will take samples from crops and nurseries, monitor insects that transmit the bacterium and step up checks on plants moving through ports and airports.

Field trials are planned in vineyards and almond groves, alongside studies of ways to diagnose and manage Xylella. The programme will also look for other plant pests early. It includes information for travellers and the public on preventing and spotting them.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Agriculture

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com