Land Suitability Analysis of Six Fruit Tree Species Immune/Resistant to Xylella fastidiosa as Alternative Crops in Infected Olive-Growing Areas

Olive agro-ecosystems in southern Italy have been heavily damaged due to Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp). Replacing the Xfp-infected olive-growing areas with economically viable fruit tree species is thought be a practical control measure. A land suitability analysis can provide an appropriate evaluation of crop’s these areas. We evaluate almond (Prunus dulcis B.), fig (Ficus carica L.), hazelnut (Corylus avellana kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis P.), pistachio (Pistacia vera and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) as immune/resistant Xfp planted within Apulia region compensate for economic environmental losses. Climate soil data were used carry out analysis. combined information each parameter obtain overall maps six proposed crops using GIS (Geographic Information System). The showed that are suitable plantation most crops, different levels climate conditions vary among study In particular, large cultivation (268,886 ha), (103,975 (70,537 followed by (43,018 ha) (40,583 ha). Hazelnut, just 2744 ha land, was fewer semi-arid environments. This first containment measures against diffusion Italy. Our results help selection right replanting zones, therefore providing guidelines decision-making process encourage planting some underrepresented values well.