Description du projet
Lutter contre les «super mauvaises herbes» à l’aide de bioherbicides sûrs et efficaces
L’un des plus grands défis de l’agriculture moderne réside dans la lutte contre les mauvaises herbes. De nouvelles variétés de «super mauvaises herbes» ont développé une résistance à de nombreux herbicides synthétiques courants, ce qui a conduit à une réduction significative des récoltes et à des pertes économiques considérables. C’est ainsi que SteriWeed, un nouvel herbicide biologique inhibant la croissance des graines des mauvaises herbes résistantes, a fait son apparition. Jusqu’à présent, il s’est avéré extrêmement efficace pour lutter contre un type d’amarante dévastateur aux États‑Unis. L’objectif du projet SteriWeed, financé par l’UE, est de développer la stratégie et les protocoles de commercialisation de SteriWeed qui permettront de lutter contre le vulpin des champs résistant qui sévit dans les cultures en Europe. Cela permettra à terme d’accroître le rendement des cultures tout en adhérant à des techniques agricoles durables.
Objectif
Weeds cause more than 35 Billion € annual global losses, equivalent to 34% of crop yield. If weeds were uncontrolled, about 50% of the crops would be lost. Therefore, synthetic (chemical) herbicides have been used since the late 1940s. However, herbicide’s use has resulted in weed’s evolution. Hence, the most persistent challenge of modern agriculture is the increasing incidence of weed resistance.
Bioherbicides have been introduced as an efficient, yet environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides. However, they perform inconsistently, have limited shelf-life, have potential adverse effects for humans and are not economically viable. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new technological methods of weed control and management that do not depend on synthetic herbicide use.
We are developing SteriWeed, a novel biological herbicide based on treated pollen and designed to target the resistant-weed and not the crop. It is non-toxic, not chemical engineered, easy to apply and cost-effective. Our innovation lies in its simplicity as the SteriWeed production method consists of only two steps: natural pollen harvesting and irradiation. The results are inviable weeds, unable to produce seeds in the next season.
Today, our team of 6 employees with interdisciplinary background have reached the proof of concept of our technology for A. palmeri, one of the most threaten weeds in the US, reaching outstanding weed control results. The goal of this project is to expand our technology towards the control of the main resistant weeds threatening the European crops.
We estimate that in five years after launching the commercialization phase, SteriWeed will cover over 1.5 million ha across Europe, Israel and USA. We will reach €42 million in cumulative revenues (cumulative profit of €15.5 million – ROI 7.15). We estimate the payback time in beginning of 2023. We plan to hire 11 new professionals, technical experts as well as professionals in business.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinateur
4673306 HERZLYA
Israël
L’entreprise s’est définie comme une PME (petite et moyenne entreprise) au moment de la signature de la convention de subvention.