Practice abstract 1: Control of “difficult to manage” pests and pathogens in fruits and vegetables
- Angeliki Milioti
- Aug 25
- 1 min read
NextGenBioPest is a Horizon Europe project focused on increasing crop yields while significantly reducing the use of chemical pesticides. It aims to develop innovative and improved tools, methods, and practices to control the most challenging arthropod pests and pathogens in key vegetable and fruit crops. The project introduces a comprehensive toolkit that includes advanced diagnostics for pest and pathogen identification, new Biological Control Agents, enhanced techniques to boost their effectiveness in the field, RNA-based pesticides, low-risk green chemicals, plant resistance inducers, and sustainable agronomic and ecological practices. These innovations will be combined with existing crop protection methods to create effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solutions.The project addresses the urgent need to reduce reliance on synthetic insecticides, which harm the environment and threaten food security. NextGenBioPest’s goal is to deliver rational pest and pathogen control methods that protect human health and improve agricultural productivity. Key activities include the development of automated molecular and AI diagnostic platforms, enhancing biological control in integrated pest management (IPM), creating RNA-based and low-risk pesticides, and testing new agronomic practices. The project also focuses on real-world demonstration fields to train stakeholders, and conducts socio-economic, environmental, and regulatory assessments. Communication and dissemination efforts will ensure wide adoption and impact of these innovations across Europe.
