Professor Giovanni Paolo Martelli at XF-Actors project’s kickoff meeting.
Giovanni Paolo Martelli, Professor Emeritus of Plant Pathology, passed away on January 8, 2020. He dedicated his long-lasting academic and scientific career to the advancement of knowledge, contributing outstanding achievements in plant pathology, with a relentless commitment and generous vision.
(Luisa Rubino, “Giovanni Paolo Martelli (1935–2020) | Obituary” | Journal of Plant Pathology)
Among his many invaluable scientific contributions, Prof. Giovanni Paolo Martelli was the first to suspect Xylella fastidiosa may be associated with the plague destroying olives in southern Italy. This revelation and wisdom of its potential rapid spread has now been proven.
It is from this seed that gave rise to the POnTE and XF-ACTORS research consortia and other research initiatives to address new Xylella-diseases like Olive Quick Decline Syndrome that threaten crops and landscapes in the EU.
The XF-ACTORS research consortium proudly salutes Prof. Martelli, his life-long contributions, and sadly mourns his loss.