A new paradigm in agrochemistry by manipulating structural bulk

Project Information

AGROSTERICS

Grant agreement ID: 101122584

DOI

10.3030/101122584

Project closed

EC signature date 14 July 2023

Start date 1 October 2023

End date 31 March 2025

Funded under

• European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

No data

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT WIEN
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - AGROSTERICS (A new paradigm in agrochemistry by manipulating structural bulk)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Modern agriculture faces two primary challenges: fertilization and crop protection. While the Haber-Bosch process has significantly contributed to solving fertilization issues, crop protection remains a pressing concern. Conventional farming methods rely heavily on synthetic chemical agents, particularly as organic cultivation, on a large scale, cannot sufficiently address the requirements of the forecasted growth of the world population, which necessitates more efficient and sustainable crop protection methods.
Moreover, the European Union has mandated a 50% reduction in the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 2030. This regulatory shift underscores the urgent need for developing more efficient, benign, and environmentally friendly crop protection agents. The increasing resistance of pests to existing herbicides further complicates this challenge, demanding innovative solutions to maintain agricultural productivity.
The AgroSterics project builds upon a novel, metal-free carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction. This innovative method allows for the synthesis of highly valuable structures and building blocks crucial for crop protection, in a manner that is cheaper, more environmentally friendly, and compatible with downstream agricultural use.
The expected impact of AgroSterics is multifaceted, addressing both immediate agricultural needs and long-term sustainability goals:
1. Innovation in Crop Protection: By developing a library of novel building blocks and herbicidal scaffolds, the project aims to introduce new chemical matter into the crop protection market. These compounds are expected to possess superior herbicidal activity, addressing the issue of acquired resistance and reducing the reliance on toxic chemicals.
2. Environmental Sustainability: The metal-free synthesis method eliminates the need for expensive and toxic catalysts, aligning with the EU's environmental regulations and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Economic Viability: The project aims to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the new crop protection agents, making them a viable alternative for large-scale agriculture. This economic viability is crucial for market acceptance and widespread adoption.
By addressing the societal challenge of food security, the project contributes to the sustenance of a growing population while promoting environmental sustainability. The innovative approach of AgroSterics not only meets the regulatory demands of the EU but also sets a new standard for crop protection agents, paving the way for future advancements in agricultural technology.
In summary, AgroSterics is poised to make a significant impact on modern agriculture by providing innovative, sustainable, and efficient crop protection solutions. The project's expected outcomes are aligned with the urgent needs of the agricultural sector and the broader goals of environmental sustainability and food security.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The AgroSterics project followed a structured approach to translate groundbreaking research into innovative crop protection solutions. The technical and scientific activities performed, along with the main achievements, are detailed below.
The project commenced with an intensive Research Phase, focusing on the synthesis of a diverse array of building blocks using a novel, metal-free carbon–carbon bond-forming reaction. This phase was crucial in validating the scalability and robustness of the synthetic method. The successful generation of a range building blocks, including such that were previously inaccessible, marked a significant milestone. The ability to produce these compounds on large scale demonstrated the method's potential for industrial application, ensuring that the innovative approach could meet the demands of large-scale agriculture.
Following the successful synthesis of building blocks, the project advanced to the development of potentially herbicidal compounds. By integrating these building blocks with known herbicidal scaffolds, the team created a library of final compounds. This showcased the modularity and versatility of the synthetic approach, offering a range of potential herbicidal agents with enhanced activity. The diversity of the compounds developed highlighted the project's capacity to address the challenges of acquired resistance and the need for more efficient crop protection agents.
The Testing Phase, which is still ongoing in collaboration with an industrial partner, has been instrumental in evaluating the practical applicability of the newly developed compounds. Initial in-silico assays provided a preliminary assessment of the compounds' efficacy. These results are currently being validated by on-field tests, which will further showcase the potential of these compounds as viable crop protection agents. This phase has been crucial in bridging the gap between laboratory research and real-world application. Notably, roughly 50% of initially evaluated compounds showed significant activity and promising properties in the in-silico tests.
By the end of the project, AgroSterics achieved several significant outcomes. The range of novel building blocks synthesized, many of which were previously unattainable, represented a major advancement in the field. The development of a library of herbicidal scaffolds with distinctive motifs demonstrated the project's potential to revolutionize crop protection. Preliminary testing results validated the efficacy of the compounds, providing crucial data for further development and optimization. These achievements underscored the technical and scientific advancements made by AgroSterics, positioning the project as a significant contributor to the future of sustainable crop protection.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The AgroSterics project has achieved significant advancements in crop protection technology, offering innovative solutions that address critical agricultural challenges. The project's results have the potential to greatly impact food security and environmental sustainability.
The development of novel herbicidal scaffolds with enhanced activity represents a breakthrough in addressing acquired resistance in conventional crop protection agents. These new compounds hold promise for significantly improving crop yields, which is essential for sustaining a growing global population. The metal-free synthesis method not only eliminates the use of toxic catalysts but also aligns with EU regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. This innovation supports the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices, benefiting both the environment and human health.
To ensure the continued success and uptake of these innovations, further research and demonstration projects are necessary. These efforts will optimize synthesis processes and validate the efficacy of the herbicidal compounds in diverse agricultural settings. Additionally, engaging with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with agricultural standards and facilitating the standardization of these novel crop protection agents will support their widespread adoption.
The project's achievements, including the successful synthesis of a diverse range of building blocks and the creation of a library of herbicidal scaffolds, position AgroSterics as a leader in developing sustainable and effective crop protection solutions. These results have the potential to significantly impact the agricultural industry and contribute to global food security.