LIFE Project: LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: Development of natural fumigants for whitefly control in greenhouse horticultural crops

Chemical pesticides continue to have an impact on the environment: their use has increased by 50% worldwide, reaching around 2.5 million tons per year over the past 30 years. They are also known to cause cancer and fetal malformations and persist in the environment for many years. However, for decades, fumigant biocides have been commonly used for public health, food hygiene, and animal health purposes. Synthetic pesticides dominate the market due to their effectiveness, but natural compounds can also be used to control agricultural pests and pathogens. These biopesticides are obtained from animals, plants, and microorganisms such as bacteria, cyanobacteria, and microalgae.

Whiteflies are a particular problem for the vast majority of crops, causing various types of damage and a wide range of diseases. Furthermore, in recent years, they have developed resistance to control products. However, studies have shown that pyrethrum-based smoke products can be effective against whiteflies. The development of new products based on natural substances falls within EU legislation and national plans for the sustainable use of plant protection products. If these new natural products are developed as fumigants, the efficacy of these products will be more effective, faster, and safer, compared to the use of liquid products traditionally applied to crops by foliar application. The active ingredient pyrethrins, with a low toxicological profile, is currently approved for use as an insecticide.