NEW ECOLOGIC PRODUCT THAT INDUCE PLANT DEFENCE MECHANISMS TO INCREASE ORGANIC CROP PROTECTION AGAINST POWDERY MILDEW PEST

Project Information

LBS-PROTECTION

Grant agreement ID: 781608

DOI

10.3030/781608

Project closed

EC signature date 7 July 2017

Start date 1 July 2017

End date 31 December 2017

Funded under

• SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

IDAI-NATURE SOCIEDAD LIMITADA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LBS-PROTECTION (NEW ECOLOGIC PRODUCT THAT INDUCE PLANT DEFENCE MECHANISMS TO INCREASE ORGANIC CROP PROTECTION AGAINST POWDERY MILDEW PEST)

Reporting period: 2017-07-01 to 2017-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The agricultural sector plays a key role in the EU economy, where the organic agriculture accounts for the 25% of worldwide organic land. Moreover, the retail sales of organic products are increasing year over year. In this context, one of the agricultural key issues, especially in organic farming, is the use of pesticides, which are crucial to combat plant pests and diseases and secure quality and yield in crop production. In this regard, consumers and the food chain alike are increasingly demanding food products that are residue-low or residue-free and produced in more sustainable ways. This applies particularly to fruit and vegetables, which are often consumed fresh without prior processing. Therefore, achieving a sustainable pest control is one of the main challenges for the future development of (organic) agriculture in Europe, contributing, at the same time, to the achievements of food security and sustainable production.

The main objective of the LBS-PROTECTION project is focused on the optimization, demonstration and commercialization of an innovative and ecologic product to increase organic crop protection against powdery mildew pest, improving plant resistance and inducing plant defence mechanisms to prevent from future attacks of the phytopathogens.

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 Phase 1 of SME Instrument, two main activities have been assessed:

- Technical assessment and feasibility of the concept, including the analysis of: the influence of climate conditions, the compatibility with other organic and traditional farming products and next steps to reach the market. In this sense, it has been performed surveys among potential clients and contacts with stakeholders for the analysis of end-user acceptance of the product, standardisation or its potential involvement as prescribers for its commercialisation.

- Commercial assessment and economic feasibility, including market analysis, business and exploitation plans, the economic and risk assessment and the actions to expand and strength the stakeholders net during SME Instrument Phase I.

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 main innovation of LBS-PROTECTION is the sulphur reformulation into Liquid Bioassimilable Sulphur (LBS) transported though xylem, which comprises several novelties that will facilitate the market introduction and will contribute to palliate production losses due to pests in organic agriculture:

- High protection efficiency with low quantity of product (systemic product). Reduce incidence up to 75% and increase prevention in 85-90%.
- Potentiates plant growth (~15%) and increases chlorophyll levels.
- 20 % cheaper than other organic products and same price than traditional products.
- Versatility: addressed for organic and traditional agriculture and different crops (fruits and vegetables).
- Wide stability: compatible with other agrochemicals. Activity independent of temperature.
- Eco-friendly: free of chemical residues. Maintains soil rich of nutrients. Avoids contamination of air, work clothes and farmer's tools.

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