project - EIP-AGRI Operational Group
FITOSCEREZO Operational Group: Phytosanitary products availability and integrated control strategies in cherry tree
Objectives
The general objective of the project is to design and develop a new program of integrated control of pests and diseases for the cherry tree crop, in order to adapt it to Directive 2009/128/CE. The aim is to promote the availability and registration of new phytosanitary products for cherry-growing and thus ensure the sustainability of the crop. Specific non-chemical methods and new active substances are incorporated. Also, their effect on the ecosystem as well as their repercussion on the residues of phytosanitary products in the fruit is verified.
Activities
R1- Methods for estimating pest and disease risk, decision support systems and determination of thresholds and times of intervention, for pest and disease control in cherry-growing in Extremadura and Aragón.
R2- New systems of preventive and / or curative management of pests and diseases in the cultivation
R3- New phytosanitary products available and registered
R4- New systems for the determination of residues of selected plant protection products
R5- Demonstration trials of the new integrated pest and disease control programme
R6- Assessment of the effect of the new program: economic, on biodiversity and environmental waste.
R7- Results report and conclusions of the project activities.
Additional information
FULL MEMBERSHIP:
MAIN PARTNERS: Federación Española de Asociaciones de Productores, Exportadores de Frutas, Hortalizas, Flores y Plantas Vivas (FEPEX), Agrupación de Cooperativas del Valle del Jerte SDAD. COOP, Asociación Empresarios Agrícolas de la Margen Derecha del Ebro (AEAMDE), Asociación Empresarial para la Protección de Plantas (AEPLA), Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria OA, MP(INIA), DEVREG Consulta SLU, ASOC. EMPRES. DE INVEST. Centro Tecnológico Nacional Agroalimentario.Extremadura CTAEX.
OTHER PARTNERS: AGROTÉCNICAS DEL SUR SL, Eurofins Agrosciences Services S.L.
Project details
- Main funding source
- Rural development 2014-2020 for Operational Groups
- Rural Development Programme
- 2014ES06RDNP001 España - Programa Nacional de Desarrollo Rural
Location
- Main geographical location
- Madrid
- Other geographical location
- Cáceres, Badajoz
EUR 559047.12
Total budget
Total contributions from EAFRD, national co-financing, additional national financing and other financing.
4 Practice Abstracts
Demonstration of the integrated pest and disease control program for cherry cultivation in Extremadura and Aragón.
The FITOSCEREZO project included the organization of technical demonstration workshops, adapted to the context of the pandemic through the creation of informative video capsules addressing key aspects of the newly developed integrated management system.
The first focus was on the chemical analysis of cherries, examining the phytosanitary residues used during the campaign. The materials and methods employed were presented, highlighting the development of a multi-residue analysis method to ensure food safety and comply with current regulations.
The second focus addressed pathological analysis, comparing four major cherry diseases (Monilinia laxa/fructigena, Stigmina carpophila, Blumeriella jaapii, Pseudomonas syringae) between plots treated with traditional integrated management and those using the new system developed by the project. This analysis demonstrated the program's effectiveness in reducing diseases such as brown rot and anthracnose.
The third focus centered on entomological analysis, evaluating the effectiveness of phytosanitary products in pest control and their impact on the biodiversity of arthropods, insects, and mites. The technique of mass trapping was also analyzed, particularly for controlling Drosophila suzukii, showcasing the effectiveness of this method as part of the integrated program.
These workshops, through their innovative video format, effectively disseminated the program's findings and provided valuable insights into sustainable and efficient cherry cultivation practices.
New systems for determining the residues of selected phytosanitary products in cherries.
The monitoring and comparison of phytosanitary residues generated by different control systems was a key focus area in the FITOSCEREZO program, aimed at evaluating their effectiveness, sustainability, and environmental benefits. To achieve this, an innovative multi-residue analysis method was implemented, capable of simultaneously addressing up to 17 active substances in a single matrix, significantly optimizing monitoring and control processes.
For more information about the phytosanitary detection protocol, you can visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAg7FivflaY&t=3130sOpen link in new window
This method was used to analyze the active substances applied in all project plots, comparing the integrated control system developed with the conventional system commonly used on farms. The analyses included periodic testing at different stages of cultivation, from early-stage (unripe) cherries to harvest, with sampling times adapted to the varieties and local conditions. This strategy provided a comprehensive view of residue accumulation in the fruits, identifying key differences between the two systems.
The results showed that the new integrated control system significantly reduced the total number of active substances, maximum residue levels of phytosanitary products, and their dissipation rates, without compromising the effectiveness of pest and disease control. Additionally, this approach promoted sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and preserving biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, maintaining a balance between production and environmental care.
Promote the availability and registration of new phytosanitary products.
The FITOSCEREZO Operational Group has worked to improve the availability of phytosanitary tools for cherry cultivation, which is considered a minor crop in Spain. This effort included the preparation and submission of proposals to expand the use of existing phytosanitary products, addressing the specific needs of this crop more efficiently. These expansions are essential for providing tailored solutions to control pests and diseases affecting cherry trees, thereby increasing the sustainability and productivity of the crops.
Expansion to minor use:
Teppeki (Flonicamid, 50% WG).
Julietta (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain LAS02, 96.1% WG).
Expansion to secondary uses:
Epik (Acetamiprid, 20% WP).
Apache (Abamectin, 1.8% EC).
Amylo-X (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens WG).
Modification of use conditions:
Delegate (Spinetoram, 25% WG).
Closer (Sulfoxaflor, 12% SC).
Additionally, field efficacy trials were conducted to obtain secondary authorizations for products already registered for other crops. This process optimized the use of approved phytosanitary products, maximizing their applicability in cherry cultivation without compromising food safety or the environment.
Another key aspect was the preparation of proposals to modify existing use authorizations, such as reducing safety intervals. This adjustment provides producers with more flexible and cost-effective management of applications, ensuring that the fruits meet market standards and quality regulations.
Design a new integrated pest and disease control program for cherry cultivation in Extremadura and Aragón. Keep the levels of phytopathogenic insects and fungi below economic damage thresholds.
The program developed by FITOSCEREZO has successfully designed an integrated pest and disease management system for cherry cultivation in Extremadura and Aragón, achieving remarkable results in the sustainability and efficiency of the sector. This system keeps pest and pathogenic fungi levels below economic damage thresholds, significantly reducing economic and environmental impacts.
Among the most notable outcomes is the reduction in the number of phytosanitary applications, thanks to techniques such as mass trapping of pests and the integration of biological products. Additionally, predictive models based on climatic conditions were implemented, optimizing interventions and improving control precision. This has led to reduced phytosanitary residues in the fruits, increasing food safety and the commercial value of the harvests.
Field trials confirmed that this management system not only maintains the effectiveness of pest and disease control but also preserves the biodiversity of microorganisms and natural enemies in the agricultural ecosystem. These results translate into lower costs for farmers, reduced environmental impact, and greater competitiveness in the markets.
Contacts
Project coordinator
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FEPEX
Project coordinator
Project partners
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ASOC. EMPRES. DE INVEST. Centro Tecnológico Nacional Agroalimentario.Extremadura CTAEX.
Project partner
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Agrupación de Cooperativas del Valle del Jerte SDAD. COOP
Project partner
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Asociación Empresarial para la Protección de Plantas (AEPLA)
Project partner
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Asociación Empresarios Agrícolas de la Margen Derecha del Ebro (AEAMDE)
Project partner
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DEVREG Consulta SLU
Project partner
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Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria OA MP(INIA)
Project partner