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DOMCA is taking part in the European BIOVEXO project, which aims to develop innovative biopesticides compatible with organic farming to combat both the pathogen and the vector that spreads the bacterium, as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
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The problem of Xylella
Xylella fastidiosa is a bacterium that can lead to the decimation of over 70% of olive production in the European Union and significantly reduce almond and fruit tree plantations. In fact, the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) considers it one of the major threats to European agriculture.
Xylella fastidiosa is transmitted by insect vectors that feed on xylem sap. The bacterium colonises the plant’s xylem vessels, blocking the absorption of essential nutrients and water required for the plant’s health. Once this occurs, severe symptoms of Xylella become apparent, often leading to the death of the plant.
The spread of Xylella fastidiosa It has rapidly increased in Southern Europe, causing damage and destruction to entire olive and almond groves. One of the most affected regions in Europe is Apulia, in southern Italy, where olive production has fallen by 65% to 80%. Centuries-old olive trees, some dating back more than 400 years, have been destroyed, and it is estimated that over 100,000 jobs have been lost.
Other countries affected by this pest include Spain, Portugal and France. In Spain, the disease is present in the Balearic Islands, where it primarily affects olive and almond crops, as well as in the Valencian Community, where hundreds of hectares of almond trees are affected.
To date, there is no solution on the market to combat the devastation caused by Xylella.
Find out more about the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium on our blog.
Innovative biopesticides against Xylella
DOMCA will develop solutions based on plant extracts, utilising by-products from the food industry as part of a circular economy strategy, as well as biocontrol strains effective against other pathogens. In this case, DOMCA is developing biopesticides compatible with organic farming, which are based on plant extracts and microorganisms. In an initial stage, the in vitro efficacy of these biopesticides against the bacterium has been tested. Subsequently, they will be tested in various formulations for small- and large-scale trials in affected fields.
Project Structure and Partners
The project is divided into 8 work packages:
- Biopesticides-X for the control of Xylella bacteria
- Biopesticides-V for the control of the vector spreading Xylella
- Formulation and scaling of biopesticides
- Large-scale validation and integrated control strategies
- Mode of action of biopesticides against target organisms
- Sustainability and toxicity of the products developed
- Dissemination, exploitation and communication
- Project management
DOMCA is responsible for coordinating work packages 1 and 3. This includes work relating to the development of biopesticides with antagonistic properties against the bacteria, small-scale testing, formulation development, and scaling-up and production.
Meanwhile, the Belgian company Globachem, which specialises in developing biopesticides to combat vector insects, is responsible for coordinating work packages 2 and 6. The CNR Research Centre coordinates the large-scale trials and integrated control strategy included in Work Package 4. AIT, an Austrian research centre, leads Work Package 5, which focuses on the mode of action of the biopesticides developed. The consulting firm RTDS, based in Vienna, is responsible for managing the cross-cutting work packages relating to the dissemination of results and project management.
The project also involves other partners, such as: the University of Seville (responsible for toxicological testing of the solutions), CRSFA, ASAJA and AIMERIT (responsible for field trials on olive and almond trees) and the University of Antwerp (Life Cycle Assessment).
Bio-based Industries
BIOVEXO is an Innovation Action (IA) funded under the BBI (Bio-Based Industries) call of Horizon 2020, with a budget of €8,025,112.41, of which €6,612,227.48 is provided by European funding.
The Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), now known as CBE-JU (Circular Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking), is an initiative within the Horizon 2020 framework programme (currently Horizon Europe). It constitutes a public-private partnership between the European Union (EU) and the Bio-Based Industries Consortium (BIC).
The overarching aim of the BBI JU is to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels and develop a bioeconomy capable of creating new products and value chains of biological origin. The key to this lies in promoting new biorefineries that can transform renewable natural resources into bio-based products, materials and fuels. All of this is aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and transitioning the European economy towards a more environmentally friendly model.
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Dissemination actions
For those interested in finding out more about the BIOVEXO project and its efforts to combat the Xylella pest, here are some useful resources:
Project website: BIOVEXO – Project website
Project blog: You can find further information about the Xylella pest and the solutions being implemented on the BIOVEXO project blog.
Social media: To keep up to date with the latest news and developments in the project, be sure to follow the social media channels associated with BIOVEXO, where you can find the latest information on the work currently underway and everything related to Xylella fastidiosa.
If you have any questions or require specific information about the project or any other topic, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Project videos
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