About BioBIVE
BioBIVE project proposes an innovative solution based on the development of controlled release systems of bio-based compounds with bioactive capabilities to control plant pathogens in different horticultural crops (tomato, carrot and strawberry), which have been selected for their relevance in Europe, based on different socio-economic aspects.
About
The BioBIVE Consortium is a multidisciplinary 16 members group of universities, research centres and SMEs from 6 different European countries aimed to achieve:
“The development of bio-based platforms to allow the controlled release of bio-active agents able to control the plant pathogens of horticultural crops helping to decrease the use of chemical pesticides”
At a glance
- Programme
HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-TWO-STAGE
- Type of Action
HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
- Topic
HORIZON-CL4-2023-RESILIENCE-01-34: BIOdegradable delivery systems for plant pathogens control of horticultural crops through BIoactiVE agents
- Duration
Jun 2024 – May 2028 (48 months)
- Consortium
16 partners from 6 countries
- Coordinator
Universidad de León, Spain
- Total Budget
€6.85 million
The Challenge
Nowadays, the EU aims to protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health while transitioning to a greener and more resilient future. In this regard, modern agriculture is facing challenges to reduce its reliance on synthetic chemicals and fossil-based materials and explore more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Objectives
BioBIVE foresees the incorporation of bioactive agents such as extracts from plants or algae and microorganisms with antifungal capabilities to different biodegradable release systems of such compounds, which will improve crop yield and health. The efficiency of the proposed systems will be tested in real case studies on three major European crops (tomatoes, carrots and strawberries), on which scientific teams consisting of biologists, chemists, bioplastics manufacturers, biotechnologists, materials engineers, farmers, computer experts and economists will work.
Technological objectives (TOs)
- Selection and validation of microbial antagonists against fungal pathogens of profitable European crops.
- Preparation of phlorotannin-rich extracts from seaweed and analysis of their antifungal properties.
- Validation of potential basic substances with antifungal features for the crops under study.
- Definition of advanced nano/micro-encapsulating procedures of bioactive substances to modulate their kinetics release during the whole crop production time ensuring their action against pathogens.
- Development of sprayable solutions including bioactive compounds to form a mulch protective film.
- Development of end-of-life biodegradable mulch materials plus bioactive agents.
- Use of biochar as a delivery system of bioactive agents against fungal crop pathogens.
- Tuning and scaling up the production of sprayable mulch films, biodegradable mulch, and biochar.
- Biocide effect analyses of the bio-based agents using the delivery systems at three different weathering and soil conditions and in two scenarios (greenhouse and field trials).
Environmental objectives (ENOs)
- Replacement of toxic agrochemicals by SSbD bio-based solutions from renewable feedstocks.
- Fulfil requirements defined by the European Commission in the framework of the Strategic Research and Innovation Plan for safe and sustainable Chemicals Materials.
- Fit the scope of the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan and Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability joined to the Green Deal ambitions for 2030 decreasing: i) risky chemical pesticides; ii) microplastics release.
- Decrease the biodiversity loss by means of bioactive agent against particular fungal pathogens.
Economic objectives (EOs)
- Reinforce the bioactive agent market as an alternative to traditional harmful agrochemicals.
- Decrease the price of the bio-based systems as a result of the added value (biocontrol capabilities).
- Foster the independence of Europe from third countries, since the resources to be used will be endogenous.
- Boost an eco-friendly & healthier agriculture to reach similar yields of those obtained by agrochemicals.
- Decrease costs related to installation, removal, collection and disposal of plastic films after mulch easing the in situ microbial biodegradation of both the mulch and the sprayable mulch films.
- Valorisation of marine renewable biomasses as raw materials boosting the growth of seaweed industries.
- Support the generation of job vacancies in rural regions that are experiencing a strong depopulation.
Expected Impacts
This innovative approach serves as a viable alternative to traditional chemicals, aiming to reduce the use of pesticides and fertilisers significantly.
The project’s bio-based delivery systems, designed for effective pathogen control, can be replicated across all European regions, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of the “A Soil Deal for Europe” mission and the EU’s “Ocean and Waters” mission.
BioBIVE will introduce novel, sustainable-by-design technological solutions, focusing on biosourced and biodegradable elements. These solutions will provide farmers with effective alternatives to current pesticides or agrochemicals.
The technologies developed in BioBIVE will significantly contribute to the Green Deal targets in the agricultural sector by 2030
These efforts will have a substantial long-term impact on the EU Bioeconomy Action Plan and the EU’s goal of a climate-neutral economy, fostering a more resilient farming.
It provides alternative solutions to current pesticides and aims to maximize the impact of its technologies by engaging public and private stakeholders.
The project will address the complete value chain, from sourcing biomass active substances, developing sustainable and biodegradable delivery systems, to engaging farmers and end-users for the validation of the technological solutions.
