Horizon Europe Vinny Project: Advanced nanoencapsulation of bio-based pesticides and fertilizers for circular and sustainable viticulture

VINNY's main objective is the development of sustainable, low-cost nanoformulated biopesticides (nanoBPs) and biofertilizers (nanoBFs) to contribute to more resilient vineyard systems. The application of VINNY's nanoformulations will contribute to the definitive shift from intensive to sustainable agriculture in viticulture on a global scale. This will be achieved using nature-based green circular economy concepts:

• A full-cycle approach from vine to vine plant, where metabolites and bioactives based on microbiomes from different vineyards in Europe (Portugal, Spain, Austria, and Denmark) will be investigated to create potent cocktails with antifungal and phytosanitary properties.
• Industrial by-products, namely carbon and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), NPK-rich actives from sludge, originating from local wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Austria and Denmark from the meat industry (MI), to be used as biofertilizers.

The project focuses on stabilizing and enhancing the efficacy of these active ingredients through the use of two different bioplatforms: the nanoformulation/encapsulation of BPs and the impregnation of agrotextiles with FBs. The platforms will be based on biodegradable, renewable, and abundant plant bioresources or, in the case of biopesticides, on dynamically active nanoformulations, i.e., based on stimuli-responsive biopolymers capable of releasing the active ingredient and enhancing its efficacy in response to external stimuli (wind) and/or internal cues (enzymes in fungi). VINNY will then validate these platforms according to their efficacy through in vitro, ex vivo, and in-plant testing against prevalent grapevine pathogens. VINNY will assess their biocompatibility, confirm the absence of nanotoxicity, and conduct field trials with the best-performing candidates in four EU vineyards. This holistic development approach will enable the optimization and adaptation of viticultural practices toward increased grape quality and productivity.