Periodic Reporting for period 1 - 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: 2022-12-01 to 2023-11-30
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.
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 on improved formulation for CornProtect (CP)
Ongoing research is dedicated to enhancing the carrier and its adaptations to amplify the pheromone's adsorption capacity and retention. The aim is to improve the efficacy in the field under different climate conditions even further and to develop new products based on the technology and knowhow of this first “proof-of-concept” product.
Developing new applications based on Lithos Micro Dispenser® (LMD®) technology against insects
The research was aimed at extending the LMD® technology with additional modifications and additives. The first steps in the development of the LMD®-matrix concept was initiated. In it, Lithos natural zeolite® is used in combination with other ingredients whose combination and content are optimised for each individual pheromone. As part of the development of LMD® technology, experiments are being carried out to improve the LMD®-matrix and to find optimal compositions and additives for different pheromones and products. Sourcing of these ingredients is carried out. In addition, experiments are performed to improve the previously determined ingredients (grinding, modification, additional purification) to increase their effect in formulations.
Expansion of the technology
Using our Lithos Micro Dispenser® (LMD®) technology we want to show a stable interaction between the new target pheromones when incorporated into the suitable customised matrix. Ongoing efforts to optimize the matrix and enhance pheromone adsorption and retention. We have already achieved many successes in this development work and continue in this area at a steady pace.
The need for a "science advisory board" to support the creation of this formulation was identified. Initial discussions were held with potential candidates from the scientific community.
Ongoing research is dedicated to enhancing the carrier and its adaptations to amplify the pheromone's adsorption capacity and retention. The aim is to improve the efficacy in the field under different climate conditions even further and to develop new products based on the technology and knowhow of this first “proof-of-concept” product.
Developing new applications based on Lithos Micro Dispenser® (LMD®) technology against insects
The research was aimed at extending the LMD® technology with additional modifications and additives. The first steps in the development of the LMD®-matrix concept was initiated. In it, Lithos natural zeolite® is used in combination with other ingredients whose combination and content are optimised for each individual pheromone. As part of the development of LMD® technology, experiments are being carried out to improve the LMD®-matrix and to find optimal compositions and additives for different pheromones and products. Sourcing of these ingredients is carried out. In addition, experiments are performed to improve the previously determined ingredients (grinding, modification, additional purification) to increase their effect in formulations.
Expansion of the technology
Using our Lithos Micro Dispenser® (LMD®) technology we want to show a stable interaction between the new target pheromones when incorporated into the suitable customised matrix. Ongoing efforts to optimize the matrix and enhance pheromone adsorption and retention. We have already achieved many successes in this development work and continue in this area at a steady pace.
The need for a "science advisory board" to support the creation of this formulation was identified. Initial discussions were held with potential candidates from the scientific community.
Our collaboration with one of the largest and most important exclusive distribution partner for Europe is going well. We were doing many trail visits and show active presence at major trade shows and field days, as well as engaging with industry influencers and key stakeholders. Networking efforts with partners and stakeholders, including meetings with potential additional distribution partners. Increased emphasis on marketing activities, particularly on LinkedIn and PR efforts. Our website blog and product page is being expanded. We are preparing the expansion of our commercial team and the supply chain set-up to prepare the launch of our product. Therefor we already have recruited a few new team members. Our production set-up is going as planned. Also our IPR management is going well, we have one main patent, which is registered and held accordant to the patent strategy. One potential new patent has been submitted and relevant domains are secured. All necessary brands are registered. With the EIB and one private lead investor we could also successfully manage to ensure a secured financial situation.
Development work as well as regulatory work and market preparation works (including value chain and supply chain) are ongoing and monitored as planned.
Development work as well as regulatory work and market preparation works (including value chain and supply chain) are ongoing and monitored as planned.