LIFE21-ENV-IT-LIFE MICROFIGHTER

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

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 general objectives are:

  • demonstrate the efficacy of a new natural and environmentally sustainable Zeo-Biopesticide, composed by 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;

  • reduce the copper input in the agricultural soils from average 4 kg/ha/year to average 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 of Cu-based agrochemicals;

  • demonstrate that the cultivation with the new Zeo-Biopesticide will decrease the amount of copper accumulated in the topsoil of at least 0.7 ppm each year of experimental cultivation and increase soil biodiversity;

  • 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, thanks to a capillary dissemination of the results to all the most relevant stakeholders, in particular the farmers and the policy makers. 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.

  • performing monitoring campaign, LCA and business plan
     

Project ID

101074218

Funding period

1 August 2022 - 31 January 2026

Total budget

€2,178,541.40

EU contribution

€1,307,124.84

Funding programme

LIFE2027

Call for proposals

LIFE-2021-SAP-ENV

Type of action

LIFE-PJG

Type of stakeholder

Farmers, policy-makers

Project contribution to Mission Soil’s:

Specific objectives

  • 1. Reduce land degradation relating to desertification
    Not targeted
  • 2. Conserve and increase soil organic carbon stocks
    Not targeted
  • 3. No net soil sealing and increase the reuse of urban soils
    Targeted
  • 4. Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration
    Not targeted
  • 5. Prevent erosion
    Partially targeted
  • 6. Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops
    Not targeted
  • 7. Reduce the EU global footprint on soils
    Not targeted
  • 8. Increase soil literacy in society across Member States
    Not targeted

Operational objectives

  • 1. Build capacities and the knowledge base for soil stewardship
    Partially targeted
  • 2. Co-create and upscale place-based innovations to improve soil health in all places
    Partially targeted
  • 3. Develop an integrated EU soil monitoring system and track progress towards soil health
    Partially targeted
  • 4. Engage with the soil user community and society at large
    Partially targeted

Innovation hotspots

  • 1. Carbon farming
    Not targeted
  • 2. Soil pollution and restoration
    Targeted
  • 3. Soil biodiversity including the microbiome
    Targeted
  • 4. Circular economy solutions
    Not targeted

Cross-cutting dimensions

  • 1. Business
    Targeted
  • 2. Digital
    Not targeted
  • 3. Territorial
    Not targeted
  • 4. International
    Not targeted

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