DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
A new European project will be implemented over the next 4 years with the participation of three Institutes of ELGO-DIMITRA focusing on new-generation biopesticides for the control of the most "difficult-to-manage' pests and plant panthogens persistent pests and pathogens ("NextGenBioPest").
Plant pests and pathogens pose significant threat to agricultural productivity and food security. The current reliance on pesticides for their control has adverse environmental consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to develop innovative pest and pathogen management strategies that not only protect human health but also address the need for increased crop yield while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.
The primary aim of the NextGenBioPest project and of the 24 partners that contribute is to address the pressing need for innovative solutions in pest management by providing advanced products, methodologies and practices designed for the effective control of challenging arthropod pest and pathogens, all while significantly minimizing pesticide usage. This initiative will introduce a comprehensive toolkit for safeguarding key vegetables and fruit crops, which includes tools for pest and pathogen diagnostics, novel Biological Control Agents, methods to enhance their efficacy in the field, RNA-based pesticides, environmentally friendly Low Risk/Green chemicals, plant resistance inducers and cutting-edge agronomic and ecological strategies. These innovations will be integrated with existing pest control strategies to ensure effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly crop protection.
Horizon Europe (Grant Agreement Νο 101136611)
«Next Generation Biopesticides for the control of the most "difficult-to-manage' pests and plant panthogens (NextGenBioPest)»
Duration: 48 months (March 1, 2024 - February 29, 2028)
Project Budget: 6,258,500.00 € (348,750.00 € for ELGO-DIMITRA)
The project is led by the FORTH-IMBB (Coordinator: Professor Ioannis Vontas). For more information, contact Dr. Aris Ilias (aris.ilias@elgo.gr) or visit the project’s website (https://www.nextgenbiopest.eu/)
Social Media Pages:
https://www.instagram.com/nextgenbiopest/