Implementation of a multi-device tool to reduce the massive and systematic application of phytosanitary products.

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Current State

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Phytopathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses and other pests) cause damage to horticultural crops, and they represent the major problem for the EU farming sector, as they are difficult to prevent. In the EU, phytopathogens reduce the horticulture crop yield in 25-35% as average1 

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Currently, phytopathogen management techniques focus on the generous use of “broad spectrum” pesticides. This means targeting a broad range of different threats to a crop, regardless of the existence of that threat. This strategy is quite effective at killing many pathogens but has serious negative impacts on environment:

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• ​Spoilage of fertile soils due to eradication of the soil biodiversity, thereby reducing future yields.

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• Increasing phytopathogen virulence and prevalence, as well as the development of pathogen resistance.

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• Environmental and health studies demonstrate that the use of chemical pesticides generates human health and environmental costs estimated in tens of billions.

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• Inevitably killing a wide range of beneficial organisms.