Project

Developing a pool of novel and eco-efficient applications of zeolite for the agriculture sector

Acronym
ECO-ZEO
Code
41L07811
Duration
01 March 2012 → 29 February 2016
Funding
European funding: framework programme
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Plant biology
  • Agricultural and food sciences
    • Agricultural plant production
    • Horticultural production
Keywords
zeolites
 
Project description

ECO-ZEO aims at the development of a new pool of Green crop protection products delivering a wide range of beneficial effects including reduced water consumption, increased crop yield, lower chemical input, crop protection and tolerance to abiotic stress and healthier conditions to workers in agriculture and agrochemical sectors.

The ECO-ZEO products will rely on the innovative application of Zeolite 4A to the surface of leaves and fruits, adapted strategies for sustainable crop protection(such as chromatic masking, behavior interference and biocontrol), novel use of sustainable active ingredients and pigments, and new configurations of additives for enhanced performance of the coating. The developed crop protection solutions will be lab- and field trialed for four crops: apple, tomato, table grape and orange. The best performing solutions will be validated through demonstration with European farmers.