LaunTeNaBio · Launch Test of Natural Biocides for the Control of Insect Borne Diseases

Insect-Borne Diseases (IBDs) affecting animals and plants are an increasing problem burdening the economy and the social conditions of many countries. The growing concern is that climatic changes, globalization and increase in travel and trade have fostered the spread of insect populations in new geographic areas and with them many IBDs. It is now established that Europe must face an increasing risk of vector-borne outbreaks.Mosquito-borne infections affect millions of people all over the world every year, with severe implications for public health and a devastating economic impact in endemic countries. Phytophagous insects transmit diseases to plants of agronomic importance, seriously damaging food production and heavily compromising the well-being of local populations, especially in countries whose economy is mainly based on agriculture.Solving or alleviating IBDs is a global challenge, but effective and safe tools are not yet available. The main approach is based on the use of insecticides to reduce or eliminate the insect-vector populations, but this approach has dual limitations of undesired effects on the environment and insect development of resistance to these substances. Effective strategies are needed to overcome these drawbacks, contributing to solutions in a practical and forward-looking way. Two main aspects for an innovative control strategy are the reduction of costs for anti-IBDs campaigns, and the attraction of potential users to promote technology transfer and implementation.The proof of concept proposed by LaunTeNaBio is the realization of a Launch Test of Natural Biocides starting from an innovative product containing symbiotic yeasts (KysBio) to prevent IBDs of health or agricultural significance. LaunTeNaBio intends to accomplish the objective by supporting a rising spinoff by the marketing of KYsBio through businesses.