APples and OLives uv-Light Optimized pest treatment to reduce the use of pesticides

ongoing

High pesticide consumption and use has become one of the most important environmental problems, with negative consequences on human health (high toxicity, up to cancer), high bioaccumulation and contamination in water and soil, and reduction of biodiversity. To solve the issue, the Farm To Fork Strategy established a challenging target for 2030 (50% pesticide reduction), but effective and accessible technologies and methods are lacking. Particularly, organic farming is not a complete solution, since it also requires the use of plant protection products that, although classified as organic, anyway cause toxicity and bioaccumulation (e.g. heavy metals and copper). LIFE APOLLO aims to develop a technological solution capable of reducing in one shot >50% pesticide consumption. Using an autonomous rover equipped with a special UV-C lamps group, a wavelength capable of preventing the onset of parasitic infections, it enables autonomous field treatment, according to timing calculated by specific algorithms based on weather forecasts and specific crop needs. By towing a special sprayer, the treatment method is all-inclusive, also allowing the spraying of pesticides still needed. The hybrid engine (diesel and electric), the low weight and the high engine efficiency also allow a significant reduction in fuel consumption. The project identifies olive groves and apple orchards as case studies for the optimization of the technology, two crops widely spread in the EU and especially in the Mediterranean basin, for which currently no specific technological innovations are available. The project includes the advanced optimization of the treatment method (timing, speed, distance from the leaves, light intensity) and two years of in-field demonstration, during which the effectiveness of the treatment, and the environmental impacts are measured while final implementations are made before market entry.