Dear Plant Health Community,

We are pleased to share the second announcement for the 17th Congress of the Mediterranean Phytopathological Union, titled “New Phytopathology Frontiers of Research and Education for Plant Health and Food Safety”, which will be held at CIHEAM Bari, Italy, from July 6 to 10, 2025.

This Congress aims to advance education and research as essential tools to address emerging challenges in phytopathology and food safety. A special focus will be placed on Xylella fastidiosa, a major phytosanitary threat in the Euro-Mediterranean region, first reported in Puglia and responsible for the rapid decline of olive trees. The programme will include a visit to the affected olive groves to provide insights into ongoing research and management efforts.

It is now possible to upload abstracts for oral/poster presentations in the dedicated area on the website upon registration. The submission deadline is March 31, 2025. We strongly encourage early submissions to facilitate the programme’s development. Accepted abstracts will be published in the MPU international, open-access journal Phytopathologia Mediterranea, which will also feature selected reviews and research papers presented at the Congress.

Young scientists (students and early-career researchers under 35 years of age) will benefit from a significant reduction in the registration fee. In addition, the first 10 registered young scientists from Maghreb and Near Eastern countries will receive free accommodation at the CIHEAM Bari campus (registration fee, gala dinner, and excursion costs are excluded). For detailed registration information, please visit our dedicated webpage: ciheambaricongressmpu2025.org/registration.

We encourage early registration, as participation will be limited to the capacity of the congress hall. Do not miss this opportunity to be part of a pivotal event, join the MPU community, and explore the beautiful region of Puglia.

We eagerly await your abstracts and look forward to welcoming you to Bari.