BIO-Based pESTicides production for sustainable agriculture management plan

Project Information

BIOBESTicide

Grant agreement ID: 886776

DOI

10.3030/886776

Project closed

EC signature date 24 April 2020

Start date 1 May 2020

End date 31 October 2023

Funded under

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

Total cost

€ 4 402 772,50

EU contribution

€ 3 069 653,00

Coordinated by

GREENCELL
France

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - BIOBESTicide (BIO-Based pESTicides production for sustainable agriculture management plan)

Reporting period: 2021-11-01 to 2023-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) represent one of the most important problems for viticulture worldwide. These diseases, caused by various fungal pathogens, thrive within and colonize the wood of the perennial organs causing wood necrosis, wood discoloration, vascular infections, and white decays (Bertsch et al. 2013; Mugnai et al., 1999). Their destructive nature poses a threat to the longevity of vineyards. GTDs are recognized as a severe menace to viticulture worldwide. According to a recent publication by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in Italy, GTD incidence on 15- to 18-year-old plants varies from 8% to 19% depending on the cultivar, while in Spain, it hovers around 10%. In France alone, approximately 13% of vineyards are unproductive, resulting in losses estimated at roughly €1 billion in 2014 (Mondello et al., 2018).
To address this pressing issue, the EU-funded BIOBESTicide project is developing an effective and economically viable biopesticide. The active substance is based on the oospores of Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180. When applied at the optimal time and concentration, these oospores establish contact with plant roots, colonize them, and subsequently activate natural plant defenses against grapevine trunk diseases. This protection ranges from 40% to 70%, contingent upon the specific formulation utilized. The BIOBESTicide project aims to validate the efficacy of the formulated product across vineyards in different geographical regions. The project's approach integrates an innovative bio-based value chain, starting with the valorization of sustainable biomasses.

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

The BioBESTicide project focuses on developing and commercializing a biopesticide effective against GTDs, achieving significant and impactful results. The project's key objectives and milestones, as outlined in the grant agreement, were largely met. The specifications for industrial tools used in producing Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 oospores were enhanced by constructing ISO-5/ISO-7 cleanrooms. The growth conditions and full production process for P. oligandrum strain I-5180 biomass, as well as the sterilization of raw materials, were successfully defined and improved. The use of sugarcane molasses, a byproduct (not a waste), as a growth medium for P. oligandrum strain I-5180 was optimized. In parallel, viability tests were conducted to evaluate the percentage of viable oospores, and new methods, such as Flow Cytometry and digital PCR, were used for quantifying oospores to prepare the final production. Various biopesticide formulations based on P. oligandrum strain I-5180 were optimized and tested in greenhouse and vineyard fields. A solid formulation with added maltodextrin reduced necrotic symptoms by 40% to 70% in nursery trials. Numerous agronomic field trials were performed under relevant environmental conditions in various locations, demonstrating the efficacy of P. oligandrum strain I-5180 against GTDs. The impact of P. oligandrum strain I-5180 on soil and inoculated plant biodiversity showed that our strain does not affect bacterial and fungal diversity. The approval dossier for Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 was prepared in accordance with the data requirements of Regulation (EC) No 283/2013 (on the active substance) and Regulation (EC) No 284/2013 (on the formulated product), aligning with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the marketing of plant protection products. The EFSA requirements have been addressed, and the project is awaiting EFSA's final resolution. The goals and scope of the Life Cycle Inventory, Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Cost, and Social Life Cycle Assessment were successfully developed, identifying future areas for improvement. Finally, a targeted market analysis was conducted, identifying potential stakeholder groups, competitors, and the biopesticide's position in the current market.

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)

During this project, Greencell has developed and improved an innovative production process for Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180. This process diverges from conventional Liquid State Fermentation or Solid-State Fermentation methods typically used in Greencell, allowing for the efficient production of the necessary amount of Biological Control Agent (BCA) required for formulation steps. Growth conditions for oospore production have been optimized using sustainable biomasses. Furthermore, Lamberti has determined the optimal composition for the final BIOBESTicide product. Significant efforts have been dedicated to formulating a solid product with practical advantages for producer and farmers as final users.

Social Life Cycle Assessment clearly demonstrates the positive impacts of bio-pesticide production based on Pythium oligandrum compared to conventional pesticides. Additionally, P. oligandrum bio-pesticides exhibit enhanced efficacy in pest control, potentially leading to increased crop yields and improved agricultural productivity. Moreover, the use of bio-pesticides is advantageous for user health, as they pose lower risks of toxicity compared to conventional pesticides. By advocating for the adoption of bio-pesticides, we can mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with conventional pesticides, such as water and soil contamination. Furthermore, the improved health outcomes for users contribute to a safer working environment and a healthier society overall.

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