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How REACT contributes to pesticide use reduction

24 April 2023

The use of SIT could help reaching Europe’s declared goal to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture.

 

Pesticides are there to fight invasive species of insects and weeds. However, they have the potential to contaminate our soils, the crops they should protect,and the water we drink. In addition, they often target not only the the pests they are intended to, but also other vegetation and beneficial species. Ana Larcher, a researcher at the Lisbon University Insititude, addresses the topic of pesticide use in agriculture, explaining why the approach of the REACT project is likely to innovatively exploit the potential of another technique for pest control.

But why is REACT so innovative, even though many other initiatives have taken on the challenge of eradicating pesticide use? Antonions Avgoustinos, a researcher at the Hellenic Agricultural Organisation, explains from his professional perspective what makes REACT stand out.

Of course, novel technologies in pest control potentially carry many risks. Cristina Borghesi, a PhD student at the Justus-Liebig University Giessen, presents the agricultural benefits of the REACT project.

The approach taken by the REACT project is promising. Now it is a matter of successful implementation in order to make a long-term contribution to making agriculture independent of pesticides. REACT can make a contribution to this.

Join the survey

The REACT project is developing sustainable strategies to protect European fruit and vegetable production from invasive fruit flies by improving eco-friendly control methods like the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). This survey gathers expert and stakeholder input to shape these solutions and assess their impact.

 

We invite farmers, agricultural experts, policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to take part in a 30–45 minute survey to share your insights on managing invasive fruit fly threats. Your perspective will help shape effective, sustainable pest control strategies for Europe’s agri-food systems.

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