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.
