The ZELDA project aims to develop a new generation of entirely bio-based alternatives to chemical synthetic pesticides for crop protection, based on the full, environmental-friendly valorisation of different secondary lignocellulosic biomasses through a zero-waste biorefinery concept. ZELDA’s formulations, combining valorised cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, will have both preventive and curative effects. These products will mainly act
as immune elicitors, i.e. molecules that, by mimicking a natural photogenic process, teach plants to raise defences against fungal and bacterial pathogens. As a secondary effect, they will support plant growth and will be able to also act directly as microbicides (due to lignin-derived products). Their efficacy on tomato, grape and cereals will be tested from the lab to the field in different EU areas, while innovative AI-based and precision farming solutions will optimise product delivery. These sustainable and effective alternatives for plant protection are intended to support EU facing the pressing challenge of increasing food production by 50% to meet the needs of the growing population, while fighting crop losses due to plant diseases that currently amount at 40% of global food production.
The extensive use of chemical synthetic pesticides to support plant defences against different pathogens is now posing severe risks to human health, animal welfare, and the environment.