The HortiQD project aims to develop an affordable and easy-to-use machine vision system for precision farming. The objective is to build a hyperspectral Short-Wave Infra Red camera working in the wavelength range of 1 - 2 µm with integrated point detection at smaller wavelengths, specifically suitable for orchard monitoring. To reach this goal we propose a novel detector type based on QD technology, based on lead- and mercury-free QDs in compliance with EU regulations and reducing the component cost by approximately 99%. The optical filter will allow for high spectral and spatial resolution, tunable to specific application requirements by design. The hyperspectral images, recorded in-vivo, will be analyzed by deep-learning algorithms in order to identify diseases in an early state and assess the plant health, starting with apples. A data management and correlation system will be set up and present the derived diagnoses and measures directly to the farmer in real-time. The system will be mounted on an already existing autonomous tractor, customized for horticulture, in order to verify the feasibility and targeted TRLs under realistic conditions in several orchard types. HortiQD will help to reduce or avoid the usage of pesticides in European orchards, paving the way towards sustainable farming and increasing food quality. It will scale up the intensity of monitoring by automation, hence, ensure the reliability of European food production. It will help analyze and address the impacts of climate change. The project aims for a fully integrated solution, consisting of several innovative sub components. Each of the developments brings benefit to the industry it addresses and opens up new markets, beyond agriculture and food.

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has proved to be pivotal for elucidating the complexity and the role of the microbiome associated with plant and animals. The role of the “virome” as a sub-component of the microbiome is beginning to be unveiled because of new ways to analyse the data and in recognition of its importance in shaping biological systems. The aim of VIROPLANT is to apply NGS technology and empirical biological experiments to develop new environmentally friendly virus-based control strategies to manage bacterial, fungal and insect vector-transmitted diseases (phytoplasmas and viruses) as well as insect pests. So far, plant protection through viruses has relied on limited successful model systems, such as baculoviruses for lepidopterans, and one mycovirus for the control of chestnut blight; moreover, viruses infecting bacteria (phages) are also state of the art tools with potential to cope with antibiotic resistant bacterial strains in human and veterinary medicine. VIROPLANT will create a database of new viruses (and virus derived biotechnological products) to increase the arsenal for the control of plant diseases caused by the most important biotic stresses. Different NGS and bioinformatics approaches will be applied to explore the virome diversity, including latent infections that can be potentially exploited for new biocontrol strategies. Protocols of risk assessment will be implemented for virome-based model control strategies. VIROPLANT will address the social and gender-specific perception of the use of virome-based techniques as alternatives to traditional pesticides. A business plan for representative categories of virome-based control strategies will be included. Small and medium enterprises and stakeholders will be involved in bringing the most promising products to the market. The consortium will cover experts in insect virome, phage therapy and mycoviruses from different agro-ecological systems throughout Europe.

Healthy soil is at the heart of the European Green Deal and one of the main targets of the Mission Board. The EU is currently struggling with soil degradation which is undoubtedly linked to agriculture intensification. Thus, a new soil management paradigm on soil monitoring, restoration and protection must be an endeavour of farmers, scientists, businesses, politicians and citizens. LivingSoiLL intends to respond to these challenges by establishing 5 Living Labs (LLs) in PT, FR, ES, IT and PL focused on permanent crops (vineyards, olive groves, chestnuts, hazelnuts and apple orchards), comprising at least 50 demonstration sites and 10 lighthouses, and with active participation of more than 2000 local actors. These LLs will focus on improving healthy soils and ecosystem services through co-creating, co-implementing and co-testing (digital) solutions to reduce erosion, improve soil structure, reduce the impacts of the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides, increase water storage, enhance soil biodiversity, and the overall resilience of soil. By promoting locally adjusted innovative solutions, spreading sustainable soil management practices and enhancing soil literacy, LivingSoilLL will contribute to the overall improvement of soil health and environmental resilience. This approach, applied in real-life settings, will mobilize farmers, farm advisors and local communities, facilitating the assemblage of formal, scientific knowledge with experience-based farmers know-how, fostering a forum for the exchange of experiences and best practices. LivingSoilLL is also designed to produce policy recommendations on best soil management practices on permanent crops to reduce erosion while promoting other soil health indicators. With its approach, LivingSoiLL projects intends to contribute to creating the necessary conditions to EU be able to sustain healthy soils for future generations