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

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,...

We are excited to share the growing collaboration between the NextGenBioPest  project and EUFAWREADY , a major new Horizon Europe initiative focused on the invasive fall armyworm ( Spodoptera frugiperda ). EUFAWREADY (“Enhancing Europe’s readiness for managing fall armyworm, an invasive pest threat”) launched in June 2025, bringing together 25 partners across research, industry, and advisory services to build tools for early detection, sustainable control, and preparedness fo

On 16 July 2025, NextGenBioPest proudly participated in the online webinar “Innovative Microbial Solutions for Plant Health: Development, Field Application, and Regulatory Integration,”  organized by the BIOVEXO project. The event brought together leading Horizon Europe initiatives, including BeXyl, Life Resilience, and NextGenBioPest, to explore the potential of microbial solutions in enhancing plant health. Key topics included best practices for field application, as well a

Abstract The cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a polyphagous invasive species native to America and...

NextGenBioPest is proud to announce a strategic synergy with MANTRA, a Horizon Europe-funded initiative dedicated to advancing the green...

NextGenBioPest, at the forefront of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, is developing an integrated toolkit to tackle the most...

The NextGenBioPest consortium  gathered in person at Institut Agro Montpellier  for its Annual Meeting and a specialized Workshop on...