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Emergent detection technologies for plant health diagnostics at EU Import points

Project description

Saving citrus from diseases and vectors

Protecting European citrus farms from deadly diseases such as Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and Huanglongbing (HLB) requires fast, accurate detection at import points and in the field. The EU-funded EmergeNOW project aims to develop digital and molecular tools, including rapid on-site detection kits, AI-powered imaging apps, UAV and autonomous robots for symptom monitoring, and smart traps for insect vectors such as Diaphorina citri, Trioza erytreae, and Cacopsylla citrisuga. These tools are connected through a systemic alert platform to provide information in real time. Following testing in plant health centres, the tools will be demonstrated on farms in Cyprus, as well as Uganda, the United States, and Vietnam.

Objective

EmergeNOW uses digital, molecular tools for rapid CBS, HLB detection, enabling early warning at EU import points. Consortium introduces novel tools and autonavigated robots for inspectors: a) on-site Phyllosticta citricarpa (P.c) and Candidatus Liberibacter’ (Ca. L) species rapid detection a molecular tool based on Recombinase Polymerase Amplification kits, b)Fluorescent Array-based Sensing Technology for P.c and Ca.L rapid detection, c) Artificial Intelligence- powered mobile apps for rapid CBS and HLB image analysis detection integrated with low-cost hyperspectral imagers, d) UAVs for AI-based RGB and hyperspectral imaging of abiotic and biotic symptom response of CBS and HLB and similar to these; e) Autonomous Mobile Robots for HLB and CBS AI imaging symptoms detection discriminate from abiotic stress. Also, deployment plans are in place for detecting the vector Diaphorina citri (ACP), Trioza erytreae (T.e ), and Cacopsylla citrisuga (C.c) by: f) e-Nose sensors, g) AI - based robotic traps for real time detection and monitoring, and h) AI-powered mobile apps for their early detection. Τhese systemic innovations could be incorporated in the EFSA Survey Cards. Digital tools link in systemic alert system with blockchain, ML analytics and will enable informed decisions for import control. Focusing on showcasing real problem scenarios, the developed tools and methods will be initially tested and optimised in biosecure enviroments at Plant Health Centers (PHC) and afterwards validated in citrus orchards in USA (CBS, HLB, ACP), Uganda (CBS, HLB, T.e) Vietnam (HLB, ACP, C.c) and in Cyprus (ACP). The optimised tools will be demonstrated in authorized Border Control Posts in Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus.

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Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation Actions

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-02

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Coordinator

ETHNIKO KENTRO EREVNAS KAI TECHNOLOGIKIS ANAPTYXIS
Net EU contribution
€ 650 250,00
Address
CHARILAOU THERMI ROAD 6 KM
570 01 THERMI THESSALONIKI
Greece
Region
Βόρεια Ελλάδα Κεντρική Μακεδονία Θεσσαλονίκη
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost
€ 650 250,00

Participants (14)