Abstract Thrips are major agricultural pests globally and spinosyn insecticides like spinosad and spinetoram are commonly used for their control. However, numerous cases of resistance have emerged, often linked to mutations in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit, the main molecular target of spinosyns. In this study, toxicological data for spinosad and spinetoram were obtained from a susceptible strain of Frankliniella occidentalis , as well as two fiel

Abstract Parasitoid wasps contribute to biological control services. Parasitoid adults are highly dependent on sugar-rich resources. Adding flowering plants providing nectar in crop fields promotes parasitoid wasps, but not always pest parasitism because addition of flowering plants may attract parasitoid species that are not directly involved in the control of crop pests. In a factorial experiment conducted for one year in pesticide-free orchards, we analysed the effects of

Abstract The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae , is an economically important crop pest that has evolved resistance to numerous insecticides used for control. Recent research has shown that populations of M. persicae in Greece have evolved resistance to flupyradifurone, a butenolide insecticide that acts as a reversible agonist on insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, the genetic mechanisms underpinning resistance remain unclear. Here we used transcript

Abstract Pesticide resistance in agricultural pests poses a significant challenge to sustainable crop protection. In this study, we assessed the current resistance status of two key pests, Tetranychus urticae and Bemisia tabaci, in major agricultural regions of Greece. A total of 25 field populations were collected between 2023 and 2025 and tested using single-dose toxicity bioassays and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for known resistance-associated target-site mutations. The re

NextGenBioPest was presented to the wider public at AdNatura – Le Salon de l’Écologie et de la Biodiversité , held in Montpellier, France. The event, dedicated to ecology and biodiversity, brings together researchers, practitioners, associations, and citizens to explore solutions for protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices. During the event, Institut Agro Montpellier  delivered an oral communication titled “Diversity and Biological Control” , highlighting th

On 12 November 2025 , NextGenBioPest participated in the II Encuentro Nacional de Asesores , a national gathering of plant health advisors held in Valencia, Spain . This key event brought together industry leaders, business partners, agricultural advisors, and experts focused on strengthening plant protection advisory services and promoting sustainable crop management practices across Spain. Engaging with Plant Health Advisors The II Encuentro Nacional de Asesores—a forum ded

Abstract Spider mites and thrips are major agricultural pests worldwide. Despite their well-documented impact on crop yields in South-East Asia, their species composition, distribution, and pesticide susceptibility remain poorly studied in the region. This study focused on the Red River Delta region of Vietnam. Multiple populations of spider mites and thrips were collected and subjected to phylogenetic analysis for reliable species identification. For the first time, Tetranyc

Abstract Spider mites are significant agricultural pests in apple orchards, where their control relies heavily on acaricide applications. In this study, seven populations of Tetranychus turkestani were collected from apple orchards in Isfahan Province, Iran, to evaluate their susceptibility to hexythiazox and etoxazole. Probit analysis revealed significant resistance to hexythiazox in T. turkestani populations, with resistance ratios (RRs) ranging from 290- to 2550-fold, w

Abstract The CncC/Keap1 signalling pathway regulates antioxidant and detoxification gene expression in arthropods and is frequently associated with metabolic insecticide resistance. This review critically assesses evidence for its role in resistance phenotypes across key pest species. Although overactivation of CncC/Keap1 correlates with increased detoxification enzyme expression and pesticide tolerance, causal mutations in the coding or regulatory regions of CncC , Keap1 , o

We are delighted to share that NextGenBioPest  was recently featured at InnoDays – Innovation Days of the Region of Crete , an event dedicated to highlighting cutting-edge research, innovation, and technological advances that contribute to regional and European competitiveness. The event brought together innovators, researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and local communities to explore emerging solutions across a range of sectors. With sustainable agriculture and

In September 2025, Smart Agro Hub  showcased the NextGenBioPest project  during the 2nd Conference “Ecological Crisis & Economic Impacts: Adaptation, Innovation & Resilience”  held in Athens. Organized by the School of Biosciences  and the School of Business Administration  of Aegean College , the event took place under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Environment & Energy  and the Region of Attica . The conference brought together experts from science, industry, and

NextGenBioPest was featured at the 15th Spidermite Genome Meeting , an annual international conference dedicated to advances in genomics within acarology. The meeting, held in Logroño, Spain, brought together leading researchers working on the genetics, evolution, and management of spider mites and other agriculturally important mite species. Representatives from the University of La Rioja , a partner institution in the NextGenBioPest consortium, actively participated in the

What are the perceptions of NextGenBioPest living lab participants regarding the AI tool developed within the project’s framework?

On 25 September 2025, Apostolos Pekas  represented the NextGenBioPest project  at Cooperative Cobella  in Huelva, Spain, presenting research on the biological control of invasive thrips. The presentation highlighted the significance of predatory thrips   Franklinothrips vespiformis  and F. megalops  in managing the invasive Scirtothrips aurantii , a major pest affecting berries and citrus crops. Apostolos Pekas discussed the potential of these natural predators as part of int

In early September 2025, Smart Agro Hub  represented the NextGenBioPest project  during the consortium meeting of the Digibuild event . The presentation showcased NextGenBioPest’s innovative approach to developing next-generation biopesticides and microbial-based tools aimed at reducing pesticide use and promoting sustainable crop protection. The session provided an opportunity to share project progress, exchange insights with consortium partners, and explore synergies betwee

On 28 August 2025, the University of Catania showcased the NextGenBioPest project  at the VIII Simposio Internacional de Viçosa  in Viçosa, Brazil. The presentation highlighted the project’s innovative approach to developing next-generation biopesticides and microbial-based tools for sustainable crop protection. Attendees gained insight into how NextGenBioPest aims to reduce pesticide use while supporting healthier and more resilient agricultural systems. The symposium provid

NextGenBioPest is a Horizon Europe project focused on increasing crop yields while significantly reducing the use of chemical pesticides....

A new easy-to-use tool is being developed to help farmers and plant health authorities quickly detect harmful pests, the viruses they may...

This project supports farmers in managing pests naturally through cover crops, companion planting, and ant management in citrus, apple,...