NextGenBioPest presents RNAi-based pest control at Inagro's fruiting vegetables trial field visit!

On 14 September 2026, NextGenBioPest partner Inagro presented the project to growers, industry representatives and business partners during the "Proefveldbezoek vruchtgroenten" (fruiting vegetables trial field visit) in Roeselare, Belgium. The event combined a guided tour of the trial fields with a workshop on the project's approach to sustainable pest management.

Science in the field

Trial field visits give growers and industry a chance to see new approaches first-hand, ask questions and compare notes with the researchers behind them. Participants toured the fruiting vegetable trials at Inagro and learned how innovative crop protection strategies are being tested under realistic growing conditions.

Introducing the project and RNAi technology

Inagro introduced the NextGenBioPest project, its objectives and its results to date. A key part of the presentation was an explanation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology, a targeted approach that has the potential to control specific pests with a reduced impact on non-target organisms and the wider environment. Making this technology accessible to a non-specialist audience is an important step towards its understanding and, in the longer term, its acceptance by the sector.

Monitoring within Integrated Pest Management

The workshop also addressed the role of monitoring within Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Reliable monitoring allows growers to detect pest pressure early, decide when and whether intervention is needed, and combine biological, technological and preventive measures more effectively. Together with new tools such as RNAi-based solutions, it forms an essential part of more sustainable and resilient production systems.

Disseminating results to the sector

The main goal of the event was to disseminate NextGenBioPest results to industry and business partners, the people best placed to turn research outcomes into practice. Discussions with participants helped ensure that the project's work stays connected to the needs and questions of the horticultural sector.

Looking ahead

NextGenBioPest will continue to share its results with growers, industry, researchers and policy makers across Europe. We warmly thank our colleagues at Inagro for organising and delivering this event, and all participants for their interest and engagement.