Jenfitch was approached by an Olive grower inEurope as they had been struggling with a deadly tree-killing bacterium, Xyelella Fastiodosa, which has killed millions of olive trees in Southern Europe. Maria Saponari, a plant virologist at the institute for "Sustainable Plant Protection” in Italy compares Xyelella to the coronavirus. Just as COVID-19 keeps oxygen from reaching our vital organs, she says, Xyelella attacks and clogs the xylem tubes of olive trees by forming a biofilm, so they can't absorb water. Xylella spreads quickly and once the bacteria infiltrates the host, there is no cure for it, until now.
As per EU regulation, Xyelella Fastidiosa is considered a quarantine pest, which when detected must be contained or eradicated. A test solution of JC 9465 was prepared and applied to a small test site implemented in fogging and root irrigation, effectively destroying and controlling the biofilm that blocks the movement of water and nutrients in the host. By generating hydroxyl radical ions, JC 9465 breaks down the extra-polymeric substance (EPS) which forms a sticky substance that acts as a protective film around bacteria. Once the EPS is destroyed, other oxidative species quickly attack the DNA of the bacteria’s nucleus to inactivate and prevent reproduction or mutation. Albeit early, the results reported have been extremely positive with leaves turning green, branches and twigs showing signs of recovery and returning to normal production with good numbers. The tests have been expanded to larger sites and preliminary PCR results are very promising.
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