NextGenBioPest and the Launch of Franklinothrips vespiformis!

Over 350 farmers, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialists, and agricultural professionals gathered in Almería today for the official launch of Franklinothrips vespiformis, a new biological control agent presented by Biobest in collaboration with the NextGenBioPest project.

The event marked a major milestone in sustainable crop protection efforts, offering growers a powerful new tool to manage difficult pest populations with reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.

A Natural Predator, Now Ready for the Field

Franklinothrips vespiformis is a predatory thrips known for its voracious appetite for various soft-bodied arthropod pests, including whiteflies and thrips — two of the most economically damaging pests in horticulture. This native predator has shown excellent performance in greenhouse trials and now becomes part of the growing toolkit of biological control solutions being developed and deployed under the Horizon Europe-funded NextGenBioPest project.

The launch event featured live demonstrations, expert presentations, and interactive sessions where participants explored the ecological benefits, usage strategies, and integration of F. vespiformis into broader IPM programs.

Biobest Leads the Way in Practical Innovation

As a key industrial partner in NextGenBioPest, Biobest continues to bridge scientific research and market-ready solutions. The introduction of F. vespiformis aligns closely with the project’s goals to provide innovative, effective, and environmentally sound pest control alternatives for European growers.

We are excited to offer growers a new, efficient, and natural ally in their pest management programs. The interest shown by the farming community here in Almería is a strong sign that growers are eager to adopt solutions that are both sustainable and effective.

Empowering Growers Through Knowledge

The turnout of more than 350 attendees highlights a growing demand for biologically based pest management and the trust placed in science-backed innovations. Attendees gained practical insights into how F. vespiformis can be integrated into daily agricultural operations, particularly in high-value crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits commonly grown in Almería.

NextGenBioPest in Action

This launch exemplifies how NextGenBioPest is translating research into tangible benefits for European agriculture. The project’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and farmer engagement is helping build a resilient future for crop protection across Europe.

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming product launches, field trials, and innovation events from NextGenBioPest and its partners.