Research project

BIOVEXO - Biocontrol of Xylella and its vector in olive trees for integrated pest management (DBA.AD001.418)

Thematic area

Biology, agriculture and food sciences

Project area

Intensificazione sostenibile delle produzioni agroalimentari e forestali (DBA.AD001)

Structure responsible for the research project

Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP)

Project manager

PASQUALE SALDARELLI
Phone number: 0805443065
Email: pasquale.saldarelli@ipsp.cnr.it

Abstract

Plants are subjected to infestation by various pests and pathogens causing diseases. Among the diseases of great importance in European agriculture is Xylella infected olives and almonds in Spain and Italy, for which no organic solution currently exists. While some diseases can be well managed by using biocontrol agents, still more effort is needed to find sustainable approaches to fighting major plant diseases such as the one caused by Xylella. As the disease is further spreading from year to year and that no solution exists, farmers only have to destroy infected plants, contain area and use chemical products even in organic farms, that can be then not sold as organic products.We aim to identify new, environmentally and economically viable plant protection solutions based on the use of biopesticides targeting directly Xylella or the insect vectors and make them available for rapid market introduction. Specifically, we will perform experiments using microbial agents, microbial compounds and plant extracts for the use as biopesticides against Xylella and/or its juvenile and adult spittlebug vectors.

Goals

Six innovative bio-based solutions will be tested prior to market introduction, as well as examined for both preventive and curative purposes. During the project, small-scale on-field validation and improved formulations of the six solutions are planned. Once completed, the top-performing biopesticides will be selected for a large-scale pilot and a real-life evaluation in Apulia (Italy) and Mallorca (Spain) -- the two most dominant Xylella outbreak regions throughout Europe. Integrated pest management measures will be applied to the existing, as well as the newly planted orchards in the two regions. The two best performing solutions will be brought forward, closer to the market, at the end of the project (Technical Readiness Level 7-8) after evaluating toxicity and assessing sustainability. Furthermore, the products will be evaluated regarding their economic potential, regulatory compliance and suitability for industry-scale production.

Start date of activity

01/05/2020

Keywords

Biopesticide, Xylella fastidiosa, olive

Last update: 29/03/2024