Result description
This result consists of a bio-based biopesticide based on onion (Allium cepa) extract, developed by DOMCA within the EU-funded BIOVEXO project to mitigate the impact of Xylella fastidiosa infections in olive trees. The solution relies on a naturally derived active substance and a tailored formulation strategy optimised for agricultural use.
The biopesticide demonstrated its ability to alleviate disease symptoms and improve plant health parameters in infected olive trees under experimental and field-relevant conditions. While it does not directly suppress bacterial replication when applied alone, the product shows strong potential as a key component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, particularly when combined with vector control measures and good agricultural practices.
This result addresses urgent needs in Mediterranean agriculture for sustainable and environmentally friendly plant protection solutions, in line with EU policies on pesticide reduction, biodiversity protection and the Farm-to-Fork strategy.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- Collaboration
DOMCA is targeting research organisations, universities, applied research centres, and agri-biotech SMEs with expertise in plant pathology, biocontrol and field validation. The key need is to establish further R&D collaborations to test and validate the BIOVEXO bio-based biopesticide in other crops and against additional plant pathogens, generating the data required to support follow-up research, regulatory progression and future commercial deployment.
- Research and Technology Organisations
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
At this stage, the focus is on jointly exploring performance in additional crops and against other regulated or emerging plant pathogens, while refining application protocols and generating complementary efficacy and agronomic data to strengthen future regulatory and exploitation pathways.
