Why are olive trees in Italy dying?

Millions of olive trees in southern Italy are under threat from Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium that causes trees to dry out and die. The outbreak has devastated parts of Puglia, transforming landscapes and destroying family olive groves that have been passed down through generations. But what is being done to save the region’s ancient olive trees, and could the disease spread to other Mediterranean countries? The Independent takes a closer look at the efforts to tackle the outbreak and protect one of Italy’s most important agricultural and cultural traditions. Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent Find us on social: TikTok /   / independent   Instagram /   / the.independent   X (Twitter) /   / independent   Facebook /   / theindependentonline   Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations