A Novel Low-Cost System for Xylella fastidiosa Early Detection Using Electrical Conductivity Probes

Xylella fastidiosa is a devastating pathogen that has significantly impacted olive cultivation, particularly in Southern Italy, since 2013. Monitoring and early identification are crucial for managing the spread of this disease and minimising associated economic losses. This study presents a low-cost system employing electrical conductivity (EC) probes to monitor the water status of olive tree stems, enabling the early detection of X. fastidiosa. The system provides real-time data by detecting changes in EC, which are possibly correlated with the presence of the pathogen. In contrast to traditional detection methods like PCR, which are expensive and require laboratory facilities, this system offers a practical, field-deployable, and sustainable solution. In a testbed, EC probes were installed on an olive tree in Southern Italy, with data transmitted via a GSM network to a central server for analysis. Powered by solar energy, the system successfully detected changes in the stem’s water content, which were subsequently confirmed to be associated with pathogen presence. This low-cost EC probe system initially demonstrates promising potential for the early detection of X. fastidiosa, enabling proactive management strategies. Future research will focus on improving the system’s sensitivity and conducting extensive field trials across diverse environments and applications.