Utilization of marine resources to advance the fight against plant diseases and alleviate abiotic stress in crops grown in the Atlantic region.
Duration:
4 years 1/2 (2018 - 2022)
Budget:
2 994 000 €
Area of activity:
Summary and Objectives
The NASPA project aims to enhance the utilization of bioproducts in agriculture. The consortium comprises 15 partners from diverse backgrounds, including academia, experimental stations, and industry, across several countries along the Atlantic coast (Ireland, the UK, France, Spain, and Portugal).
These regions encounter common challenges, such as fungal diseases, nitrogen leaching, and residues of phytosanitary products in food items. The project’s objective is to promote agriculture without relying on fungicides or excessive fertilizers while maintaining or potentially increasing yields. Valuable substances found in algae and fish waste need identification to be transformed into bioactive elements that protect plant health, reduce fungicide use, and enhance carbon and nitrogen soil cycles.
NASPA will develop a new range of products based on active substances derived from algae, fish waste, and aquatic plants. These substances will either stimulate the production of specific plant compounds (antimicrobial and antioxidant) to combat potential fungal pathogens or boost overall plant health, making them less susceptible to diseases by providing better nutrition and improved bio-stimulation.
Field trials are being conducted at the station on various crops commonly grown in the region, such as cauliflower, artichokes, lettuce, and tomatoes, to assess product effectiveness against downy mildew and club root.
