CITRUSBUSTERS · Integrated Prevention and Biocontrol Solutions for most devastating Citrus Pests

CITRUSBUSTERS proposes an ambitious and efficient R&I initiative aimed at developing solutions tailored to address Citrus pests with devastating impacts worldwide: Candidatus Liberibacter (CL), its associated insect vector (T. erytreae) and Phyllostycta citricarpa (PC), considered priority and quarantine pest in the EU. With an approach prioritising prevention, CITRUSBUSTERS will enlarge the IPM toolbox for high-value citrus crops by: (i) demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of smart tools for pathogen observation and early detection, enabling the prediction of future outbreak risks, based on co-culture models for CL and PC to provide solid knowledge on their spatiotemporal dynamics, technologies based on hyperspectral and LIDAR imaging, and predictive models through MLA linking soil health, vectors and plant parameters; ii) developing innovative tools, substances and agroecological practices to enhance plant resilience against biotic stresses by means of DNA-free and genetic changes for breeding purposes and innovative extraction technologies for active molecules triggering immune responses in plants; and (iii) developing sustainable and safe biocontrol active formulations for improving crop health during cultivation, by means of encapsulated endolysins for CL, microbial antifungal substances for PC and dsRNA targeting T.erytreae. CITRUSBUSTERS will strenghten the abilities of stakeholders to respond to pest outbreaks relying on a solid multiactor approach for the co-creation of solutions and the assessment of environmental, social and economic impacts of the pests of the solutions, developing policy recommendations and best practices guidelines. This will ensure the adequacy of the proposed solutions and the wider acceptance of IPM strategies contributing to promote fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption and to restoring Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity.