NATURSMOKE Operational Group: New disinfectant technologies based on active ingredients obtained from food by-products for the control of phytopathogens in greenhouses and post-harvest

This Task Force (TF) proposes a novel solution for managing phytosanitary diseases in greenhouses and post-harvest facilities in crops protected under plastic, due to the high losses caused by pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Podosphaera aphanis, Leveillula taurica, Pseudomonas syringae, Alternaria spp., Penicillium spp., and Fusarium oxysporum. The aim of this study is to develop novel fumigant products to efficiently control these diseases using natural active ingredients derived from food by-products.

This new technology will use natural antimicrobials that are safe for consumers and the environment, reducing the use of chemicals, water, and energy while maintaining the quality and safety standards of the final product demanded by the market. To achieve its objective, the consortium is made up of a multidisciplinary and balanced team of three SMEs with diverse expertise in the agri-food sector and the project: BIOPLAGEN (Seville), DOMCA (Granada), and Agricultura y Ensayo (Seville).

Furthermore, the GO has a recognized knowledge generation agent, the University of Granada, which guarantees the necessary know-how to address the objectives set. Finally, the GO is established with the support of the national Plant Biotechnology Technology Platform (INVEGEN), which will lead and coordinate dissemination and outreach activities.