AGROALNEXT BIOPESTNEW Project: Natural insecticides as an approach to integrated pest management. Selection, optimization, and effects on pests and beneficial insects
- Type Project
- Scope Autonómico
- Autonomous community Comunitat Valenciana
- Main source of financing NextGenerationEU
- Project website Web del Proyecto
Description
BIOPESTNEW combines chemical and biological control for pest control in crops
Contextual description
Chemical control involves using natural botanical extracts or bioinsecticides, while biological control relies on the use of natural enemies, primarily native insects. Essential oils obtained from aromatic plants native to the Mediterranean region will be used as insecticides, and native species of hoverflies (Diphids) will be used as natural enemies. Their larvae are voracious predators of pest insects such as aphids. These hoverflies are commercially available and provide effective control because they are well-adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of Mediterranean greenhouses.
Results
Natural insecticides based on essential oils, compatible with beneficial insects, have been developed, along with integrated pest management strategies for Mediterranean greenhouses. These strategies promote sustainable and biodiversity-friendly management practices, validated in laboratory, semi-field, and real-world conditions. The results of BIOPESTNEW will offer solutions compatible with environmental conservation, as they will significantly reduce the application of traditional pesticides, whose environmental and human health problems are well-known. At a socio-economic level, the project proposes new solutions to the growing social demand for healthy, residue-free food and a viable alternative to the excessive use of pesticides for agricultural pest control. This will allow farmers to reduce production costs and obtain healthy and competitive products for the global market.
Contact information
- Coordinator/entity name: Mª Ángeles Marcos García
- Mailing address: Not available
- Email coordinator/entity: marcos@ua.es
- Phone: Not available
Coordinators
- UA
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