Descrizione del progetto
Biopesticidi per colture di olivi e mandorle
Gli olivi e i mandorli del Mediterraneo sono minacciati dal batterio fitopatogeno Xylella e dal suo trasmettitore, le sputacchine vere. Sono necessari nuovi biopesticidi per combattere la minaccia batterica, ridurre l’impatto dei pesticidi chimici e rendere sostenibili le coltivazioni di olivi e mandorli. Il progetto BIOVEXO, finanziato dall’UE, svilupperà biopesticidi innovativi che riducono l’apporto di pesticidi chimici e forniscono una maggiore protezione alla pianta. I biopesticidi saranno testati su un’ampia scala pilota per stime sul campo in due importanti regioni europee infestate dalla Xylella: la Puglia in Italia e Maiorca in Spagna. I biopesticidi saranno testati in un approccio combinato e integrato su piantagioni di olivi tradizionali e di recente impianto in entrambe le zone e sui mandorli di Maiorca.
Obiettivo
BIOVEXO demonstrates a set of new and innovative biopesticides targeting the plant-pathogenic Xylella bacterium and its transmitting spittlebug vector, to fight a disease that seriously threatens olive and almond production in the European Mediterranean region. BIOVEXO’s biopesticides will reduce the input of chemical insecticides and will sustainably increase and secure European olive cultivation in its valuable socio-economic context. The biopesticides will be tested for use in curative and preventive approaches. We introduce six promising candidate biocontrol solutions acting either against Xylella or its vector, which include two bacterial strains, a microbial metabolite, two plant extracts, and an entomopathogenic fungus. Following small-scale on-field validation and improved formulation, BIOVEXO will upscale production of best-performing biopesticides (minimum two Xylella- and two vector-targeting ones) to large pilot scale for real-life evaluation in two major Xylella outbreak regions in Europe (Apulia, Italy and Mallorca, Spain) representing distinct pedoclimatic conditions. Then, BIOVEXO’s biopesticides will be demonstrated in a combined and integrated approach (IPM) on traditional and newly planted olive orchards in the two areas. Additional testing is done on almond trees in mainland Spain and Mallorca. The BIOVEXO consortium coming from academia, large industry, SMEs and associations contributes complementary expertise all along the value chain including practical knowledge and hands-on experience by participating olive growers and farmer associations. BIOVEXO will provide a mechanistic understanding of the biopesticides’ mode of action to support final product development and will ensure environmental and economic sustainability by performing LCA and risk, toxicity, and pathogenicity analyses. Thorough evaluation regarding regulatory compliance will prepare BIOVEXO’s biopesticides for smooth market entry post project.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- H2020-EU.3.2. - SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland water research, and the bioeconomy Main Programme
- H2020-EU.2.1.4. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Biotechnology
- H2020-EU.3.2.6. - Bio-based Industries Joint Technology Initiative (BBI-JTI)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
IA - Innovation actionCoordinatore
1080 Wien
Austria
L’organizzazione si è definita una PMI (piccola e media impresa) al momento della firma dell’accordo di sovvenzione.