The third year of Euclid project was also the first year of Euclid Innovation Demonstration Network. This is a crucial activity for EUCLID project as it brings to the field the innovative research work carried out within the lab.
by P. Delval, ACTA
Demonstration trials have been implemented in three countries on three crops: France, Italy and Spain on Tomato, Salad and Grapevine. These tests offered an opportunity to compare one or more growing programs containing Euclid innovations with a conventional program using mainly pesticides.
Thus, new solutions to manage pests and diseases were tested in Euclid demonstration sites. More specifically, the trials focused on Tuta absoluta and Aleurodes on Tomato, Grey Mould on tomato and salad, Sclerotinia on salad, Powdery Mildew on tomato, soil pathogens (Rhizocton, Pythium, Fusarium) on salad and tomato, Powdery and Downy Mildews on grapevine, combining new solutions from Euclid research with other solutions to offer complete IPM packages to meet the expectations of the different stakeholders.
A decision support tool developed by the University of Lleida has also been tested on Spanish and Italian grapevines to improve applications of fungicides and acaricides. Varieties, densities, fertilizations are also included in these proposed solutions.
During the demonstrations days, numerous exchanges with advisers and growers allowed the Euclid experimenters to gather data and feedback that will help in perfecting the project proposals. In addition, analyses of pesticide residues were carried out on salad and grapevine.
The Euclid team will now compile the results acquired this year to deliver a report of this year's field experience. The other challenge is to prepare the next year of demonstrations which will also be the last year of the project. It will be an opportunity to meet new actors during field days to prepare several deliverables including a brochure and a transfer tool.
Demonstration sites are WP4 activities led by partner ACTA, France.
Source: Euclid