PHEROVID

Abstract:

The PHEROVID proposal aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional pesticides and align with the European Farm to Fork strategy and the Green Deal through biobased solutions for pest control in vineyards. The project focuses on improving the sexual confusion method to combat two key pests: Lobesia botrana (grapevine moth) and Planococcus ficus (mealybug), developing more effective, sustainable, and competitive solutions.

To overcome current limitations in cost, efficacy, and biodegradability, two innovations are proposed: a fully biodegradable dual passive dispenser to treat both pests simultaneously, and a sprayable formulation with encapsulated pheromone, adaptable to drones and ground equipment, compliant with European microplastic regulations.

The project, with a budget of €537,587, will be carried out by Leitat and SEDQ Healthy Crops SL, leaders in technology and bioprotection, through three activities: field validation of the dispenser, development of biodegradable encapsulates, and study of application methods. Its results will position SEDQ at the forefront of pheromone-based treatments and expand Leitat’s portfolio, with a significant impact on the sustainability of the wine sector and potential application in other crops such as fruit trees, citrus, and horticultural crops.

Leitat’s role in the project:

Leitat will act as a beneficiary partner in the PHEROVID project.