Innovative Zeo-Biopesticides, based on useful microorganisms, for eliminating the use of copper-based pesticides

Introduction

LIFE MICROFIGHTER project has been conceived to demonstrate in open field the effectiveness of a new product and practice that will reduce/substitute copper-based pesticides for the defence against relevant pathogens (downy mildew, bacterial speck, bacterial spot, olive knot disease and peacock eye) of grapevine, tomato and olive.

Project Objectives

Project general objectives are:

1. Efficacy Demonstration
   Demonstrate the efficacy of a new natural and environmentally sustainable Zeo-Biopesticide, composed of Italian natural K-chabasite zeolites and a specific mBCA (Pseudomonas sp. DLS65) as an alternative to copper-based products for the control of the most threatening diseases of grapevine, tomato and olive (downy mildew, bacterial speck, bacterial spot, olive knot disease and peacock eye) in IPM and organic farms in Italy, Croatia, and Spain.

2. Reduction of Copper Input
   Reduce the copper input in the agricultural soils from an average of 4 kg/ha/year to an average of 2 kg/ha/year without affecting the yields and the quality of foods. The total substitution of copper with the new Zeo-Biopesticide will also be tested and evaluated, in the perspective of a ban on Cu-based agrochemicals.

3. Decrease Copper Accumulation
   Demonstrate that the cultivation with the new Zeo-Biopesticide will decrease the amount of copper accumulated in the topsoil by at least 0.7 ppm each year of experimental cultivation and increase soil biodiversity.

4. Promotion and Support
   Promote, encourage, and support the use of the innovative Zeo-Biopesticide and the cultivation strategies tested in the project as alternatives to copper for the cultivation of grape, tomato, and olive. This will be achieved through a capillary dissemination of the results to all the most relevant stakeholders, particularly farmers and policymakers. They will be made aware of the risks and environmental issues related to copper pesticides and of the Zeo-Biopesticide as a feasible alternative, leading to lower environmental impacts and better pest-control efficiencies.

5. Monitoring and Planning
   Performing monitoring campaigns, LCA, and business plans.