Periodic Reporting for period 2 - CORNPROTECT (A SUSTAINABLE PROTECTION AGAINST WESTERN CORN ROOTWORM)
Periodo di rendicontazione: 2020-12-01 al 2021-11-30
The rapidly spreading pest of Western Corn Rootworm (WCR) is a major threat for corn production within the EU and other affected countries. At the end of the project the available and used products on the market against WCR still show limited effectiveness, are highly toxic and harmful for the environment and beneficial insects. CORNPROTECT from Lithos brings the urgently needed, effective solution for farmers who want to save their yield while at the same time it meets the societies demand for harmless, non-toxic and sustainable products in the field of plant production. Since sustainable agriculture brings benefits for climate change and the environment, it is a solution that also meets the objectives of the EC. The new and unique Lithos Micro Dispenser Technology® makes the proven method of mating disruption possible in arable farming. For the society this is important to have a solution for naturally safe corn harvest and no negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, it benefits from the innovation if other pests are controlled and combated in the same way in the future.
The project’s main objective was to bridge the remaining gap to commercial deployment by optimizing the current formulation, scaling up existing production and registering CORNPROTECT as plant protection product. All the trials during the project brought relevant knowledge to the existing one to increase the effectiveness of the current formulation. Further insights also made it possible to achieve an increase of the production volume. With regards to the registration of CORNPROTECT, Lithos reached a milestone by submitting the dossier of the active ingredient (brand name “pherolit-d®”) during the project. After the approval from the commission, Lithos will go on with the second stage of plant protection registration. This is a longer process that will continue after the end of the project. In order to be prepared for a wide market, partnerships for distribution in several countries were established.
In conclusion, the project was successful because all objectives were achieved while at the same time the budget was used efficiently. Furthermore, Lithos ensures that the work on CORNPROTECT and Lithos Micro Dispenser Technology for other Semiochemical applications are being continued.
The project’s main objective was to bridge the remaining gap to commercial deployment by optimizing the current formulation, scaling up existing production and registering CORNPROTECT as plant protection product. All the trials during the project brought relevant knowledge to the existing one to increase the effectiveness of the current formulation. Further insights also made it possible to achieve an increase of the production volume. With regards to the registration of CORNPROTECT, Lithos reached a milestone by submitting the dossier of the active ingredient (brand name “pherolit-d®”) during the project. After the approval from the commission, Lithos will go on with the second stage of plant protection registration. This is a longer process that will continue after the end of the project. In order to be prepared for a wide market, partnerships for distribution in several countries were established.
In conclusion, the project was successful because all objectives were achieved while at the same time the budget was used efficiently. Furthermore, Lithos ensures that the work on CORNPROTECT and Lithos Micro Dispenser Technology for other Semiochemical applications are being continued.
All components of CornProtect that influence the effectiveness were analyzed in detail. Different formulation options were tested under GEP conditions at selected corn cultivation sites. Although the results are sufficient for approval, further product development that should bring an even higher efficacy will be carried out by Lithos beyond the project duration. Considering the experiences during the project, Lithos will therefore i.g. conduct new greenhouse trials in 2022.
As a project result, Lithos secured the supply of the product components and set up the production of the active ingredient at its site. This could guarantee the quality on the one hand and the possibility of a higher production volume as well as cost savings on the other hand.
Lithos continuously monitored the necessary studies to certify the active ingredient and the final product, carried out by selected Subcontractors. The procedure was also coordinated with the Authority. A major step towards product certification was the submission of the regulatory dossier of the active substance in March 2021. As a main achievement in this project, the news was widely spread via a press release and social media.
Additionally, Lithos achieved the certification of the active ingredient as well as the bio-registration in Ukraine in 2021 and put effort in the dossier-preparation for the USA. These other market-relevant countries have the advantage of shorter regulatory paths.
Over the project duration, Lithos found an exclusive, multinational distribution partner for Europe, Ukraine and another one for the USA and signed supply agreements with each party. Lithos and its new partners will work together in regards of a wide market take up and dissemination of project results beyond the project duration.
As a project result, Lithos secured the supply of the product components and set up the production of the active ingredient at its site. This could guarantee the quality on the one hand and the possibility of a higher production volume as well as cost savings on the other hand.
Lithos continuously monitored the necessary studies to certify the active ingredient and the final product, carried out by selected Subcontractors. The procedure was also coordinated with the Authority. A major step towards product certification was the submission of the regulatory dossier of the active substance in March 2021. As a main achievement in this project, the news was widely spread via a press release and social media.
Additionally, Lithos achieved the certification of the active ingredient as well as the bio-registration in Ukraine in 2021 and put effort in the dossier-preparation for the USA. These other market-relevant countries have the advantage of shorter regulatory paths.
Over the project duration, Lithos found an exclusive, multinational distribution partner for Europe, Ukraine and another one for the USA and signed supply agreements with each party. Lithos and its new partners will work together in regards of a wide market take up and dissemination of project results beyond the project duration.
Once the final product CORNPROTECT is approved by the EC, it will be the only effective, biological (non-toxic), easy to use solution, with long-lasting effects at a competitive price. With the support provided with the EU funding, Lithos established the basis for the product approval. This was achieved by development of product formulation and several field tests.
The certification of the active substance was initiated by submitting the regulatory dossier. After the final approval, the product will be ready for full-scale commercial deployment with selected distribution partners.
CORNPROTECT prevents economic failures in maize for farmers without the use of toxic substances. It contributes to sustainable crop protection: harmless for beneficial insects and non-toxic for the user and for the environment. The reduction of chemical pesticides also helps the environment (soil, water air) to recover and to promote biodiversity. The use of biological pesticides does not only have a direct positive effect on the health of animals and humans but will also secures the food supply for the next generations.
The certification of the active substance was initiated by submitting the regulatory dossier. After the final approval, the product will be ready for full-scale commercial deployment with selected distribution partners.
CORNPROTECT prevents economic failures in maize for farmers without the use of toxic substances. It contributes to sustainable crop protection: harmless for beneficial insects and non-toxic for the user and for the environment. The reduction of chemical pesticides also helps the environment (soil, water air) to recover and to promote biodiversity. The use of biological pesticides does not only have a direct positive effect on the health of animals and humans but will also secures the food supply for the next generations.