Led by ACTA and CAAS

WP4 tests and validates IPM packages designed in WP3 through field trials. The same partners involved in the optimisation of the pest management solutions and in the design of IPM packages in WP3 ensure the active transfer of the knowledge and tools produced to the various end-users of their competence.

All appropriate regulatory procedures will be carried out prior to field application of all new biocontrol methods developed in the project.

Demo sites for end-users field trials

Demonstration trials are under implementation in 3 countries on 3 crops: France, Italy and Spain on Tomato, Salad and Grapevine. The tests offer the opportunity to compare one or more growing programs containing EUCLID innovations with a conventional program using mainly pesticides.

New solutions to manage pests and diseases are being tested in the EUCLID demonstration sites. More specifically, the trials focus on Tuta absoluta and Aleurodes (tomato), Grey Mould (tomato, salad), Sclerotinia (salad), Powdery Mildew (tomato), soil pathogens Rhizocton, Pythium, Fusarium (salad, tomato), Powdery and Downy Mildews (grapevine). The objective is to combine new solutions deriving from Euclid research with other solutions, to offer complete IPM packages to meet the expectations of the different stakeholders.

A decision support tool developed by the University of Lleida has also been tested on Spanish and Italian grapevines to improve applications of fungicides and acaricides. Varieties, densities, fertilizations are also included in these proposed solutions.

During the demonstrations days, numerous exchanges with advisers and growers allowed the EUCLID experimenters to gather data and feedback that will help perfecting the project proposals. In addition, analyses of pesticide residues were carried out on salad and grapevine.