OPTIMA
OPTIMA
OPTIMA
- Funding entity: European Union Research and Innovation Programme Horizon 2020
- References: No. 773718
- Period: From 1/9/2018 to 31/12/2021
- Project coordinator: Agricultural University of Athens (AUA)
- Website: www.optima-h2020.eu
A little bit about the project:
OPTIMA (Optimised Pest Integrated Management to precisely detect and control plant diseases in perennial crops and open-field vegetables) was a European project of the Horizon 2020 program, grant ID 773718, focused on developing an environmentally sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework, applied to vineyards, apple orchards and carrot cultivation.
Main objective
Develop and validate an integrated system that combines early disease detection, precision spraying techniques and the use of biopesticides, in order to reduce dependence on chemical plant protection products, minimize waste and mitigate risks to human health and the environment.
Focus and key components
OPTIMA addresses all critical aspects of a modern IPM by:
- Disease prediction models: optimization of existing models to anticipate the appearance of diseases such as downy mildew in grapevine, scab in apple trees and alternaria in carrots.
- Early detection using spectral sensors and imaging: development of advanced field detection systems (spectral imaging, deep-learning techniques) to identify infection hotspots in early stages.
- Evaluation of bio-pesticides and combined practices: selection and testing of commercial or developing biological products (bio-PPPs) together with new generation synthetic pesticides, to define optimal combinations and application strategies.
- Precision Spraying Technologies: Design and development of three prototype smart sprayers (for carrots, vineyards, and apple trees), with variable application based on vegetation characteristics, pathogen presence, and risk level. These machines adjust nozzles, flow rate, pressure, and other parameters to maximize efficiency and minimize drift/losses.
- Validation under real field conditions: the components of the IPM system were evaluated in real trials with the selected crops, to verify their agronomic viability.
Benefits and expected results
- Significant reduction in the use of chemical pesticides, with a decrease in waste and less environmental impact.
- Effective control of diseases in vineyards, fruit trees and vegetables, maintaining or improving the health of the crop.
- More efficient application technology: intelligent sprayers that allow variable doses, reducing drift losses and optimizing product deposition.
- Improved human health and environmental safety: reduced exposure to chemicals, reduced risks to workers, soil, water and biodiversity.
Impact and innovation
OPTIMA represents a step beyond the state of the art: it combines IPM practices, biopesticides, sensor technology, artificial intelligence, precision machinery, and environmental/socioeconomic assessment. This allows for a coherent, integrated, and sustainable crop protection system.
The project has developed a set of concrete tools: predictive models, sprayer prototypes, detection systems, and product combinations that can serve as a basis for modernizing crop protection standards in Europe.