LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: Development of natural fumigants for the control of whitefly in greenhouses horticultural crops

Introduction

LIFE NextFUMIGREEN will test the effectiveness of a new type of pesticide based on naturally occurring active ingredients in a fumigant format in the protection of the most representative greenhouse crop. By replacing pesticides of chemical origin, it aims to mitigate adverse effects on the environment and human health by demonstrating that fumigant biopesticides are less toxic than conventional ones.

Objectives

The project aims to demonstrate that this new fumigant biopesticide is effective against pests and diseases specific to pepper and tomato crops (the largest greenhouse crops). Additionally, it intends to show its effectiveness against:

1. Whitefly
2. Thrips
3. Tuta absoluta

Furthermore, the project seeks to explore its use in other EU countries. Other expected benefits include:

• Improved food safety through residue-free food
• Positive impacts on biodiversity and climate change

Training and Demonstration

In addition to demonstration actions in field conditions, the project will focus on training and demonstration of fumigant biopesticides. This will contribute to the professionalization and capacity building of farmers.

Advantages of Fumigant Biopesticides

The autonomous nature and ready-to-use dosage of the fumigant biopesticides facilitate the proper handling and dosage of pesticides in the crop. This guarantees an adequate dosage, avoids the use of machinery, and provides a safe system for both the environment and the health of the applicator.

Methodology

Smoke is a dry dispersion method, which avoids the adverse effects of excess humidity on crops (proliferation of fungi) and prevents accidental spills that contaminate the soil and groundwater.

Policy Support

This LIFE project supports the implementation of EU chemical policy, which includes both the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive and REACH. It also helps to achieve the objectives of the Farm to Fork strategy, the 7th Environmental Action Programme, and the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe. Additionally, it supports the agri-environmental measures of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy.