Using mineral carriers for pheromones to apply the ecologically friendly mating disruption method for protecting crops against pests on a large scale

Project Information

Micro Dispensers for sustainable plant protection

Grant agreement ID: 190164424

DOI

10.3030/190164424

Project closed

EC signature date 16 December 2022

Start date 1 December 2022

End date 30 November 2024

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 023 937,50

EU contribution

€ 1 366 312,00

Coordinated by

LITHOS CROP PROTECT GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Micro Dispensers for sustainable plant protection (Using mineral carriers for pheromones to apply the ecologically friendly mating disruption method for protecting crops against pests on a large scale)

Reporting period: 2023-12-01 to 2024-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

There is only a limited amount of land available for agriculture. But a growing population still needs a secure and high-quality food supply. While this balancing act requires effective pest control, conventional chemical products used to protect crops often come under heavy flak and their use is being increasingly restricted or outlawed. For example, in the Green Deal the EU has set the target of reducing existing pesticides by half until 2030. In addition to all this, there is another challenge: the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change are causing increasing problems for agriculture and endangering harvests more and more frequently.

That's why Lithos Crop Protect is working on natural solutions to this problem – such as its patented pheromone application, the first sprayable product of its kind in the world. The Lithos Crop Protect technology is the first solution that is financially viable for largescale application, and for agriculture in particular. Over many years, Lithos Crop Protect developed and patented its Lithos Micro Dispenser® technology (LMD® technology): A method, where specific pheromones (brand name “pherolit®”) are combined with a natural mineral as core-carrier. Lithos Crop Protect extracts and processes the high-quality mineral clinoptilolite-zeolite from its own source to optimize the unique properties in binding and releasing pheromones. For the application on the field, the pheromone of a particular pest is applied on a customised LMD®-matrix, with fine-milled natural zeolite as core-carrier (technology developed by Lithos Crop Protect) and dispersed in water. The sprayable formulation can be used with any conventional spraying device. As it can be spread using simple field sprayers, and possibly even drones in future, it is a simple and cost-effective method.

This results in a unique set of advantages for customers:
- sprayable, easy to use & affordable
- safe for users
- slow release -> long term effect
- target specific, does not affect other organisms
- pests cannot develop resistancies
- suitable for conventional & organic farming

How does this technology work, using the “mating disruption” method?
We describe how Mating Disruption works on the basis of our proof-of-concept product against western corn rootworm (Diabrotica v.v.). With the active ingredient pherolit®-d, which is currently undergoing registration, Lithos Crop Protect has reproduced the sexual pheromone of the female corn rootworm. This sex pheromones are sprayed with the LMD®-matrix as a carrier. After application of the product, the customised LMD®-matrix begins to slowly release the pheromones and pests can be disturbed in their mating behavior. In this way, reproduction of the western corn rootworm can be reduced in a natural way and the pest can be controlled sustainably. Further applications of the innovative lithos micro dispenser® technology are now being researched with the help of EIC Accelerator project. This method prevents yield losses and rethinks crop protection in a natural way – the specific mode of action is sustainable and ensures biodiversity in the fields of the future.

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

During the project, significant progress was made in advancing the formulation of CornProtect, resulting in an improved product characterized by greater stability, enhanced adsorption capacity, and extended pheromone release. The focus was on optimizing the carrier system to ensure consistent field efficacy under varying climatic conditions. This led to the development of a more robust and efficient formulation, validated through comprehensive field trials across multiple locations in Europe. The trials confirmed the product's effectiveness in reducing target pest populations while maintaining environmental safety and user-friendliness.

In addition to improving the core product, the project explored new applications of the Lithos Micro Dispenser® (LMD®) technology for other insect pests. Extensive research and testing were conducted to adapt the matrix system for different pheromone profiles, optimizing the composition and sourcing high-quality ingredients. This approach ensured that each formulation was tailored to its specific use case, enhancing the technology’s versatility.

The project also aimed to expand the technology's applicability beyond its initial target by demonstrating stable interactions between the matrix and new active ingredients. This work led to promising developments for other pest control solutions, supported by continuous optimization efforts. To further strengthen product development, the need for a science advisory board was identified, and discussions with relevant experts were initiated to guide future advancements.

Overall, the project achieved its technical and scientific objectives by enhancing the LMD technology, validating product performance through field trials, and ensuring readiness for regulatory approval and market entry. The outcomes not only demonstrated the technology's potential but also established a solid foundation for future innovations and commercial applications.

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 project has advanced formulation and production processes, enhancing product performance and market readiness. The improved formulation demonstrates superior stability, extended release properties, and effective field performance, setting a new benchmark for sustainable pest control. These advancements were validated through extensive field trials across multiple European locations, ensuring consistent product performance under varying conditions.

Collaboration with a major exclusive distribution partner for Europe has progressed positively, enabling trial visits, participation in trade shows, and engagement with industry stakeholders. Networking efforts extended to potential additional partners, while marketing activities intensified through LinkedIn, PR, and website expansion.

To prepare for product launch, the commercial team and supply chain were expanded, with new hires ensuring market entry and operational readiness. Production setup is progressing as planned, aligned with expected demand.

IPR management remains strong, with one patent registered, an additional patent application submitted, and all relevant domains and trademarks secured.

From a financial perspective, collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a private lead investor secured a stable foundation for further development and commercialization.

Development, regulatory work, and market preparation, including value chain management, are progressing as planned. These achievements confirm the project's success and establish a solid foundation for commercialization and market adoption.

Diabrotica v.v. in maize (field trial visit)

Diabrotica v.v. in maize (field trial visit)