PestNu conducted online surveys across nine EU countries, gathering 1,224 responses, revealing low F2F strategy awareness and practitioner skepticism.
PestNu also successfully completed its deployment (M1–M18), field testing, and demonstration (M19–M36) of five advanced DST tools:
a) AI Robotic Trap: Redesigned for shape, integrated with deep learning object detection and population prediction models for whiteflies-black aphids and Tuta Absoluta with accuracies of 89,1% and 97.7% respectively.
b) Satellite Imagery: Powered by AI to calculate vegetation indices in Greece and Spain, achieving >90% agro-anomaly diagnosis accuracy and enabling blockchain-based FSi food traceability certification.
c) Autonomous Agro-Robot: Navigated fields and greenhouses with 4-hour battery autonomy, detecting Botrytis cinerea in cucumbers (92%), tomatoes (79.41%), peppers (87.42%), and Tuta Absoluta (75%).
d) Nutrient Analyzers achieved over 92% accuracy for nitrite and nitrate, over 95% precision, and 90% accuracy for phosphate and ammonium.
e) The flow cytometer, finalized for field use, quantifies and classifies microalgae with 99.5% accuracy for two-unit distinction.
Regarding the Decision Support Systems-Integrated with blockchain and cybersecurity, the DSS utilized data from DST tools at demo sites, aquaponics, and open fields. Field evaluations showed it reduced pesticide use by 50%, increased crop yields, and lowered sample analysis costs by 70%, emphasizing its efficiency and sustainability.
Furthermore, PestNu successfully deployed (M1–M18), field-tested, and demonstrated (M19–M36) its AOP systems and products:
a) Agro-Wastewater System: Installed in greenhouse compartments, it produced on-site biofertilizers (10kg/5 days) using a biocatalysis process with microalgae. This setup enhanced microalgae growth, reduced nitrate levels by 74%, fully retained K, P, and Ca, and promoted circular economy principles. Also, a biofertilizer production protocol was developed.
b) Biopesticide: Fabricated from agrifood waste, it achieved a 50-liter production. In lettuce cultivation, it inhibited Botrytis germination at 2% and 1% concentrations, outperformed chemical pesticides, and increased yields by 0.3 kg/m² compared to untreated organic methods.
c) Integrated Fertilizer Programs: Designed for open-field trials in Greece and Spain, these programs reduced fertilizer use by 20%, carbon footprint by 10%, and improved nutrient efficiency by 20%. Organic IFP further reduced fertilization and carbon footprints but delivered slightly lower yields than conventional methods.
PestNu organizing workshops and training seminars that benefited over 1360 people. The dissemination strategy involved active participation in over 68 events. More than 49 scientific publications have submitted. Another notable achievement is the development of the PestNu Digital platform offers various services, and features a matchmaking tool for F2F stakeholders. Market studies were conducted to assess the potential adoption. Primary markets and key competitors were identified and examined. More than 140 LoI signed F2F organizations and 26 signed collaboration contracts with sister projects affiliated with the Green Deal, support PestNu framework in an active role in promoting methodologies, rallying policy makers and operational groups, and orchestrating roundtables at national workshops and clustering events. 30 practice abstracts and factsheets were produced for EIP-AGRI.
