The aim of this experimental demonstration project, entitled "New bioproducts for plant protection in organic agriculture - New3PB", is to develop and test the demonstration model of new bioproducts for agriculture in organic systems.

The main objective of New3PB is the development of a laboratory demonstration model for new formulations composed of a mixture of plant extracts fortified with sucrose. The project envisages a conventional methodology for the extraction of biologically active compounds from plants, the development of application aspects and the evaluation under laboratory conditions of the effect of the developed formulations. The biopreparations will be obtained by an original combination of plant extracts. The target species are: Sambucus ebulus, Humulus lupulus, Equisetum arvense and Urtica follium. Extraction will be carried out in vinegar by maceration and ultrasonication. The plant extracts are fortified with sucrose.

The plant-pathogen model considered in this project will be chosen among the major fungal diseases of horticultural crops (Phytophthora infestans, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium sp, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp.).

With the aim of developing new bio-based plant protection products, New3PB targets organic and small-scale farming, focussing on minor crops that currently depend on a limited range of products. The feasibility of this project is underpinned by the fact that the results have applicability, utility and economic efficiency and are geared towards the development of viable, environmentally friendly solutions through the design of bioproducts for plant protection. A good knowledge of these bioproducts will contribute to reducing the number and/or dosage of treatments, while maintaining production levels and ensuring adequate crop protection.