nEUROSTRESSPEP · Project

Greener Insecticides That Target Harmful Bugs While Sparing Beneficial Ones

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Imagine if instead of spraying broad chemicals that kill every insect — bees, butterflies, pests alike — you could use the pest's own hormones against it, like a targeted off-switch. That's what this project did: they studied the internal signaling molecules (neuropeptides) that control insect behavior and survival, then designed artificial versions that disrupt only the harmful species. They also explored engineering insects to carry these self-destruct signals through pest populations, offering a biological alternative to chemical pesticides for farms, orchards, and forests.

By the numbers

consortium partners across the project

countries represented in the consortium

SME industry partners involved

major economic sectors targeted (agriculture, horticulture, forestry)

total project deliverables produced

The business problem

What needed solving

Chemical insecticides are losing effectiveness as pests develop resistance, while regulations are tightening and consumers demand pesticide-free food. Broad-spectrum spraying kills beneficial insects like pollinators alongside pests, creating ecological and economic damage. The agriculture, horticulture, and forestry sectors urgently need targeted pest control that eliminates specific harmful species without collateral damage.

The solution

What was built

The project produced a neuropeptide metabolomics database covering multiple insect species, improved screening methodologies for fast tissue analysis, and candidate neuropeptide analog compounds designed to target specific pest insects. A total of 13 deliverables were produced, including tools for rational drug design and genetic pest management approaches validated in lab and field conditions.

Audience

Who needs this

Crop protection and agrochemical companies developing next-generation insecticidesForestry pest management service providersGreenhouse and horticultural operators under pressure to reduce chemical pesticide useBiological control product manufacturers looking for new active ingredientsAgricultural cooperatives seeking integrated pest management solutions

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Agriculture & Crop Protection

enterprise

Target: Crop protection companies and agrochemical manufacturers

If you are a crop protection company struggling with insecticide resistance in key pest species — this project developed neuropeptide-based biocontrol compounds that target specific pest insects while leaving pollinators and beneficial insects unharmed. The consortium validated candidates in laboratory and field applications across 6 countries, with 14 partners including 2 SME industry partners. This gives you a pipeline of next-generation active ingredients for greener product lines.

Forestry & Forest Management

mid-size

Target: Forestry companies and pest management services

If you are a forestry operator dealing with bark beetle outbreaks or other tree-killing insects that cause millions in timber losses — this project tested neuropeptide-based biocontrol agents specifically in forest applications. The approach targets pest species without harming the forest ecosystem. With 13 deliverables including a neuropeptide metabolomics database covering multiple species, there is a foundation to develop species-specific treatments for your highest-priority pests.

Horticulture & Greenhouse Production

SME

Target: Greenhouse operators and horticultural product suppliers

If you are a greenhouse grower facing pressure to reduce chemical pesticide use due to tightening EU regulations and retailer demands — this project created tools to design insect-specific biocontrol agents based on neuropeptide hormone analogs. The technology was developed with end-user relevance built in through 2 SME partners and established links to agricultural and horticultural end-users. This offers a path to compliance-friendly pest control that protects your crop without residue concerns.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to license or access these neuropeptide biocontrol compounds?

Based on available project data, specific pricing or licensing terms are not disclosed. The project was a Research and Innovation Action (RIA), meaning results are likely available through academic licensing from the University of Glasgow and consortium partners. Commercial terms would need to be negotiated directly with the IP holders.

Can this technology work at industrial scale for large farming operations?

The project validated candidates in laboratory, field, and forest applications, which indicates progression toward real-world conditions. However, as an RIA project running from 2015-2019, industrial-scale manufacturing of neuropeptide analogs would require further development and scale-up investment. The 2 SME partners in the consortium suggest some commercial pathway thinking was already in place.

Who owns the intellectual property and how can we access it?

The consortium of 14 partners across 6 countries jointly developed the IP under Horizon 2020 rules. The University of Glasgow as coordinator is the primary contact point. Key IP likely covers the neuropeptide analog designs, the metabolomics database, and the genetic pest management constructs. Licensing would follow standard EU grant IP sharing arrangements.

How does this fit with current EU pesticide regulations?

This technology directly addresses the EU's push to reduce chemical pesticide use under the Farm to Fork Strategy and Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive. Neuropeptide-based biocontrol agents that spare beneficial insects align with regulatory direction. The genetic pest management component may face additional regulatory scrutiny under EU GMO legislation.

How long before this could be a commercial product?

The project ended in 2019 with validated lab and field results and 13 deliverables including screening methodologies. Based on available project data, commercial deployment would require further regulatory testing, toxicology studies, and manufacturing scale-up — typically a multi-year process for new biocontrol products. Some compound candidates may be closer to market than others.

Does this work only on specific pest species or broadly?

The approach is designed to be species-specific — that is the core advantage over conventional broad-spectrum insecticides. The neuropeptide metabolomics database covers multiple species, and the rational design approach allows targeting of specific pest insects. This selectivity is what makes it commercially attractive for integrated pest management programs.

Consortium

Who built it

The nEUROSTRESSPEP consortium brings together 14 partners from 6 countries (Belgium, Germany, Israel, Sweden, UK, South Africa), anchored by the University of Glasgow. The mix is research-heavy: 7 universities and 2 research organizations drive the science, while 2 industry partners (both SMEs) provide commercial perspective — giving a 14% industry ratio. The inclusion of South Africa as a third-country partner adds global agricultural relevance. For a business looking to access these results, the relatively low industry involvement means the technology is still closer to the lab than the market, but the established end-user links mentioned in the objectives suggest the consortium was thinking about commercial pathways from the start.

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOWCoordinator · UK
BRUKER DALTONIK GMBHparticipant · DE
UNIVERSITEIT GENTparticipant · BE
FORESTRY COMMISSION RESEARCH AGENCYparticipant · UK
THE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION OF ISRAEL - THE VOLCANI CENTREparticipant · IL
UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWNparticipant · ZA
KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER NETWORK LIMITEDparticipant · UK
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDSparticipant · UK
UNIVERSITAT ZU KOLNparticipant · DE
THE PIRBRIGHT INSTITUTE LBGparticipant · UK
Oxitec Limitedparticipant · UK
KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVENparticipant · BE
STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITETparticipant · SE
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENTparticipant · UK

How to reach the team

University of Glasgow (UK) — coordinator of a 14-partner consortium. SciTransfer can facilitate a direct introduction to the research team.

Order a report on this consortium See UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how neuropeptide-based biocontrol could fit your pest management strategy? SciTransfer can connect you directly with the research team and prepare a tailored technology brief for your sector.

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