NextGenBioPest at the 15th National Conference on Biodiversity!

The University of Catania, a core research partner in the Horizon Europe-funded NextGenBioPest project, proudly represented the initiative at the 15th National Conference on Biodiversity, held in Perugia, Italy. During the event, researchers from the university delivered an insightful oral presentation titled:

“Increasing Plant Diversity in Mediterranean Greenhouses: Benefits for Natural Enemies and Effects on Key Pest Management.”

This presentation showcased cutting-edge research on how enhancing plant diversity within protected cropping systems can significantly bolster populations of natural enemies—such as predatory insects and parasitoids—while improving the ecological balance and effectiveness of pest control strategies.

Harnessing Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture

The findings emphasized that increasing functional plant diversity in greenhouses can offer multiple ecological benefits, including:

• Improved habitat for beneficial arthropods,

• Reduced pest pressure on main crops,

• Enhanced resilience of biological control systems,

• Lower reliance on chemical pesticides.

The research aligns with NextGenBioPest’s mission to develop innovative, environmentally sound crop protection methods by integrating biological solutions with ecological practices.

Building Scientific and Agricultural Synergies

Attended by leading Italian and international experts, the National Conference on Biodiversity served as an ideal platform to share the results of this research with a wider academic and agricultural community. The University of Catania’s participation highlights the importance of biodiversity in agricultural innovation and underscores the relevance of the NextGenBioPest approach in the Mediterranean context.

From Science to Sustainable Practice

This contribution to the national biodiversity dialogue reinforces NextGenBioPest’s role in leading the transition toward sustainable plant protection across Europe. It also strengthens the link between ecological research and real-world application in Mediterranean horticulture.

For more updates on our scientific outreach and field-based innovations, follow the News section on the NextGenBioPest website.