Experts have issued a stark warning about Xylella fastidiosa, a plant disease that poses a significant threat to UK gardens. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says the pathogen, which has devastated olive groves in Europe, could arrive in the UK via imported plants.
Xylella fastidiosa infects over 350 plant species, including lavender and cherry trees. The bacterium blocks water transport within plants, causing leaf scorch, wilting, and eventual death. The RHS's head of plant health, Gerard Clover, described it as a 'game-changer' and said it is likely only a matter of time before it reaches the UK.
The European Commission has introduced stricter measures to curb the spread, following outbreaks in Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. The UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said it pressed for increased protections at EU level, which came into force this month. Defra noted that leaving the EU provides an opportunity to strengthen national biosecurity on plant imports.
An outbreak in the UK could require destruction of host plants within 100 metres and a five-year movement ban for certain plants within 5 kilometres. The RHS is adopting new principles, including isolating imported semi-mature trees for 12 months and incorporating plant health into flower show judging. It urges gardeners to buy plants propagated from seed in the UK or grown domestically for at least a year.
