On June 10, 2025, PurPest research was presented at the “Fachtagung Dialog Grün,” a key Swiss forum on sustainable plant protection organized by the Zurich Basel Plant Science Center under the theme Sustainable Plant Protection (Nachhaltiger Pflanzenschutz). The event took place at ETH Zürich. Two posters from the Université de Neuchâtel highlighted VOC based detection technologies developed...

As part of the 2025 PurPest project meeting, participants took part in a technical visit to a forested area in Tróia, Portugal, severely affected by pine wilt disease caused by the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). This field visit offered researchers and stakeholders a first-hand look at the ecological impacts of the disease on maritime pine ecosystems.

Participants...

The PurPest project will be presented at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the European Network In CHemical Ecology (E-NICHE) in Évora, Portugal, from 25–27 June. The contributions from NIBIO will focus on the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by rhododendron and larch trees infected with different Phytophthora species, as well as VOCs produced by the pathogens grown...

With great enthusiasm, we share highlights from the successful PurPest Project meeting, held in Portugal from June 11–13, 2025. Around 40 participants from over 12 countries gathered for a dynamic program that included technical sessions at the University of Évora, a field visit to a pine forest affected by the pinewood nematode in Tróia, and a tour of PALSER, a wood and pallet...

On May 27, the PurPest project held an additional Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) meeting to strengthen our outreach and grow the stakeholder network. A leadership change within the Czech Nursery Association was announced, with a new representative expected to actively join the next SAB meeting. Discussions focused on strategies to engage nurseries and National Plant Protection Organizations...

A new study, led by partners from Wageningen University and Agroscope, was recently published in Scientific Reports, entitled "Migration extent and potential economic impact of the fall armyworm in Europe". The study highlights serious economic threats to European agriculture posed by the invasive fall armyworm, which was first detected in Europe in 2023.

Using bioclimatic modelling...

From May 21^st to 25^th, PurPest was advertised at the Oeiras Valley Science Festival by members of INIAV. This vibrant event brought together researchers, families, schools, and science enthusiasts to explore innovations in science, sustainability, and technology.

At the PurPest stand, visitors of all ages engaged with hands-on demonstrations. Children enjoyed using microscopes and...

Adomas Malaiška, the PurPest partner from the innovative company Volatile AI, took part in the online event “Digital Solutions for Smart and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development,” organized by key national science and research institutions of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The event focused on how digital tools and Horizon Europe funding can drive innovation and sustainability in...

As part of International Day of Plant Health, the Instituto Superior de Agronomia (ISA) in Lisbon hosted a seminar highlighting innovations in sustainable crop protection. Maria João Camacho, from INIAV, presented “Innovative Sensor Technologies for Sustainable Crop Protection – Advances in In-Field Nematode Detection” emphasizing the urgent need for early and accurate detection of...