H2020 BIOBESTicide Project: Bio-based pesticide production management plan for sustainable agriculture
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2020 -2023
- Assigned Budget 3.069.653,00 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website Proyecto BIOBESTicide
Vine trunk diseases can be destructive, reducing the lifespan of vineyards. Unfortunately, this is a growing problem with an increasing incidence worldwide. The EU-funded BIOBESTicide project is developing an effective and cost-effective biopesticide to combat this disease. The protection system is based on the oomycete Pythium oligandrum, strain I-5180, which, when applied at the optimal time and concentration, colonizes vine roots and stimulates the plants' natural defenses against vine trunk diseases, providing protection ranging from 40% to 60%.
The BIOBESTicide project will validate the efficacy of the formulated product in vineyards in different geographical areas. A demonstration will be conducted based on an innovative bio-based value chain, utilizing the valorization of sustainable biomass.
The BioBESTicide project focuses on the development and commercialization of an effective biopesticide against transgenic skin diseases (GTDs), with significant and impactful results. The project's key objectives and milestones, as outlined in the grant agreement, were largely met. The specifications of the industrial tools used in the production of Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 oospores were optimized through the construction of ISO-5/ISO-7 cleanrooms.
The growth conditions and the entire biomass production process for P. oligandrum strain I-5180, as well as the sterilization of raw materials, were successfully defined and improved. The use of sugarcane molasses, a byproduct (not a waste), was optimized as a growth medium for P. oligandrum strain I-5180. In parallel, viability tests were performed to assess the percentage of viable oospores, and new methods, such as flow cytometry and digital PCR, were employed to quantify oospores and prepare the final production.
Various biopesticide formulations based on P. oligandrum strain I-5180 were optimized and tested in greenhouses and vineyards. A solid formulation with added maltodextrin reduced necrotic symptoms by 40% to 70% in nursery trials. Numerous agronomic field trials were conducted under environmentally relevant conditions in diverse locations, demonstrating the efficacy of P. oligandrum strain I-5180 against foodborne diseases (GTD). The impact of P. oligandrum strain I-5180 on soil and inoculated plant biodiversity showed that our strain does not affect bacterial and fungal diversity. The approval dossier for Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 was prepared in accordance with the data requirements of Regulation (EC) No 283/2013 (on the active substance) and Regulation (EC) No 284/2013 (on the formulated product), in line with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market.
EFSA requirements have been met, and the project is awaiting EFSA's final decision. The objectives and scope of the Life Cycle Inventory, Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing, and Social Life Cycle Assessment were successfully developed, allowing for the identification of future areas for improvement. Finally, a targeted market analysis was conducted, identifying potential stakeholders, competitors, and the biopesticide's current market position.
Vine trunk diseases (VTDs) represent one of the most significant problems for viticulture worldwide. These diseases, caused by various pathogenic fungi, proliferate and colonize the wood of perennial organs, causing necrosis, discoloration, vascular infections, and white rot (Bertsch et al., 2013; Mugnai et al., 1999).
Their destructive nature poses a threat to the longevity of vineyards. TVDs are recognized as a serious threat to global viticulture. According to a recent publication by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), in Italy, the incidence of TVDs in 15- to 18-year-old plants ranges from 8% to 19% depending on the cultivar, while in Spain it is around 10%. In France alone, approximately 13% of vineyards are unproductive, resulting in losses estimated at approximately €1 billion in 2014 (Mondello et al., 2018). To address this pressing problem, the EU-funded BIOBESTicide project is developing an effective and economically viable biopesticide.
The active ingredient is based on the oospores of Pythium oligandrum, strain I-5180. When applied at the optimal time and concentration, these oospores come into contact with plant roots, colonize them, and subsequently activate the plant's natural defenses against vine trunk diseases. This protection ranges from 40% to 70%, depending on the specific formulation used. The BIOBESTicide project aims to validate the efficacy of the formulated product in vineyards in different geographical regions. The project approach integrates an innovative bio-based value chain, starting with the valorization of sustainable biomasses.
The BIOBESTicide project will validate and demonstrate the production of an effective and cost-effective biopesticide. The demonstration will be based on an innovative biological value chain that starts from the valorization of sustainable biomasses, namely beet pulp and sugar molasses, and will exploit the properties of the oomycete Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 to boost plants' natural defenses and produce a highly effective and environmentally friendly biopesticide solution for the protection of vine plants. GREENCELL, the project coordinator, has developed, at the laboratory level (TRL4), an effective method for biocontrolling one of the main causes of vineyard destruction worldwide: grapevine trunk diseases (GTD).
The protection system is based on the oomycete Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180, which, when applied at the optimal time and concentration, colonizes the vine root and stimulates the plant's natural defenses against GTD, providing protection ranging from 40% to 60%. The BIOBESTicide project will respond to the growing demand for innovative solutions for phytosanitary agents by transferring the technology to a DEMO Plant capable of producing more than 10 tons of an oomycete-based biopesticide product per year (TRL7).
The BIOBESTicide project will validate the efficacy of the formulated product in vineyards in different geographical areas. To ensure product safety from a health and environmental perspective, a complete approval dossier for Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180 will be submitted in all European countries. A Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) will be conducted to assess the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the developed products. Adoption of this effective and cost-effective biopesticide will have significant impacts, with a potential return on investment of 30% in just 5 years and a total EBITDA of over €6,400,000.
Successful field trials of a bio-based pesticide have demonstrated how wine producers can protect their prized vines without harming the environment. Grapevines are not only the backbone of the wine industry but also a symbol of cultural heritage in many regions of Europe. However, beneath their lush foliage and fruit lurks a silent threat: grapevine trunk diseases (VTBDs). Currently, VTBs are among the most significant health challenges facing global viticulture.
The threat posed by VBDs lies in their ability to infect the woody tissues of grapevines. Once infected, these pathogens can cause a gradual decline in vine health, reduced vigor, and ultimately crop loss. “These diseases, caused by various pathogenic fungi, pose a significant risk to vine health and grape production,” explains Ahmed Taibi, a member of the BIOBESTicide project at Greencell (France). The BIOBESTicide project received funding from the Biobased Industries Joint Undertaking, a public-private partnership between the EU and industry. Furthermore, the incidence of grapevine wood diseases has increased over the past two decades, primarily following the ban on sodium arsenate, carbendazim, and benomyl in the early 2000s. Since then, considerable efforts have been made to find alternative approaches to control these diseases and limit their spread.
This makes them a serious challenge for both winegrowers and researchers. Eco-friendly bio-based pesticide Biocontrol is a sustainable approach to combating GTD-associated fungi. BIOBESTicide sought to develop new strategies to protect Europe's vineyards and reduce our dependence on chemicals. This was achieved by formulating a cost-effective and eco-friendly bio-based pesticide. The project brought together partners from several European countries. "As project coordinator, we were responsible for producing high-quality oospores, using a molasses-based growth medium as a co-product," says Taibi. These oospores, which are thick-walled sexual spores, were produced from a specific oomycete called Pythium oligandrum. P. oligandrum is a non-pathogenic, rhizospheric oomycete that colonizes the root system of many crop plant species, including grapevines. An oomycete is a fungus-like microorganism. Successful Implementation in Vineyards Field trials sought to evaluate the efficacy of the active ingredient over a three-year period, from 2021 to 2023. Various geographical locations were used in the Czech Republic, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal. "In addition, three complementary trials were carried out," Taibi adds. "These sought to assess the impact of the biocontrol agent on the physicochemical and organoleptic properties of wines derived from grapes produced in vineyards located in three different countries." The product was shown to offer comparable efficacy to existing biocontrol products on the market.
The trials demonstrated promising efficacy in both nurseries and in the field, with a reduction in grapevine wood necrosis symptoms of up to 78%, according to Greencell. “We also discovered that P. oligandrum’s mode of action differs from biocontrol products based on the fungal species Trichoderma atroviride,” Taibi notes. Unlike Trichoderma, P. oligandrum does not directly attack pathogens in wounds following pruning of the grapevine. Instead, it stimulates the plant’s defense system, increasing its efficacy year after year. Experience in oospore production: Further field trials are underway with various grape varieties from diverse geographical locations. More tailored formulations will be developed to increase the product’s efficacy. This will help bring its approval to market closer.
The registration process for the active ingredient is ongoing, and Greencell estimates it could take another one to two years. "We will also continue working on studying the mechanism of action of this biocontrol agent on all phytopathogens that affect vines," says Taibi. "This project has allowed us to consolidate our experience in the oospore production process to produce sustainable and effective biocontrol agents."
During this project, Greencell developed and improved an innovative production process for Pythium oligandrum strain I-5180. This process differs from conventional liquid or solid-state fermentation methods typically used at Greencell, allowing for the efficient production of the required amount of biological control agent (BCA) for the formulation stages. Growth conditions for oospore production were optimized using sustainable biomass. Furthermore, Lamberti determined the optimal composition of the final BIOBESTicide product.
Significant efforts have been devoted to developing a robust product with practical benefits for producers and farmers as end users. The Social Life Cycle Analysis clearly demonstrates the positive impacts of Pythium oligandrum-based biopesticide production compared to conventional pesticides. Furthermore, P. oligandrum biopesticides are more effective in pest control, potentially leading to increased crop yields and greater agricultural productivity.
Furthermore, the use of biopesticides is beneficial to user health, as they present lower toxicity risks compared to conventional pesticides. By promoting the adoption of biopesticides, we can mitigate the adverse environmental effects associated with conventional pesticides, such as water and soil pollution. Furthermore, improved user health contributes to a safer work environment and a healthier society overall.
- GREENCELL
Related projects
