FOR HEALTHY EUROPEAN CROPS

Posted: 18 Nov 2020 16:40

In order to provide a holistic innovative approach to fruit fly invasion, from early detection to prediction, scientists collect biological and ecological data and test electronic traps and detection noses in the field.

The annual meeting, held on October 20, 2020, brought together more than 40 scientists from 16 countries (representing the 21 partners). They examined the progress of the project, the findings achieved during the 1st year of the program "FF-IPM - Electronically supported treatment of new species of fruit fly invaders with emphasis on the prevention of settlement and off-season management (off-season IPM) of their populations ”(FF-IPM: In-silico boosted, pest prevention and off-season focused IPM against new and emerging fruit flies).
The review of the project was presented by the professor at the University of Thessaly Mr. Nikos Papadopoulos, coordinator of the project. Given the limitations of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on the seasonality of data collection, the project researchers produced high quality results.
Participants had the opportunity to listen to a talk by Professor David João Horta Lopes (University of Azores, Portugal), who presented the results of the recently completed European Euphresco program on the treatment of fruit flies.
The European Union-funded FF-IPM research project aims to protect the production and trade of fresh fruit from invading insects, known as fruit flies. The project develops new tools, methodologies and strategies for the timely detection and recording of the presence of the above insects in European fruit-producing countries. It also generates new knowledge and electronically supported strategies for treating fruit flies without the use of synthetic insecticides. Therefore, it contributes to the production of fresh fruit of high quality and nutritional value and promotes the marketing and export of these products.

Source: Eleftheria.gr