Imagine if plants could 'scream' when they are attacked by bugs, and we had a device that could hear them. This project creates electronic noses that smell the specific chemicals plants release when infested. It helps catch pests at the border or in the field before they destroy crops, acting like a high-tech security alarm for nature.
Climate change and global trade are increasing the spread of invasive plant pests. Current import screening is inefficient, only covering 3% of plants, leading to high pesticide use and crop loss.
A Sensor System Prototype (SSP) and mobile head space collection devices (HSCD) designed to detect pest-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
If you are a customs agency dealing with the risk of invasive species entering the country — this project developed a sensor system prototype that increases pest screening efficiency from 3% to 80% of plant imports.
If you are a nursery owner dealing with the accidental spread of pests to customers — this project developed a non-invasive sensing platform that detects pests early to stop their distribution between exporting and importing countries.
If you are a farm manager dealing with high chemical costs and pest outbreaks — this project developed site-specific control tools that aim to reduce pesticide use by at least 50%.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or implementation costs are not provided; the project focuses on developing the prototype and validating its economic benefits.
Yes, the project aims to move from proof of concept to field trials, targeting a jump in screening efficiency from 3% to 80% for plant imports.
Based on available project data, there is no specific mention of licensing terms, though the consortium includes 4 SMEs and 4 industry partners who typically manage commercialization.
Yes, it directly supports the EU's Farm2Fork strategy goal to reduce pesticide use by 50%.
The project period runs from 2023-01-01 to 2026-12-31, with field experiments planned in the final stages.
The project features a strong commercial-research balance with 18 partners across 11 countries. With 4 industry partners (including 3 SMEs) and 11 academic/research entities, the consortium is well-positioned to bridge the gap between lab discovery and market application. The inclusion of governmental agencies ensures that the resulting technology aligns with official plant health regulations.
Contact NIBIO - Norsk Institutt for Biookonomi in Norway
Contact us to connect with the PURPEST consortium for early adoption of the sensor platform.
