Sustainable Alternative to Copper-Based Pesticides in Agriculture: The LIFE MICROFIGHTER Approach

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for plants [1], but its extensive use as a pesticide in agriculture, particularly in organic and integrated production systems (IPS), has led to its accumulation in European soils [2]. This accumulation poses significant risks to soil biodiversity, water quality, and human health. Despite European Union (EU) regulations limiting copper inputs to 28 kg/ha over seven years (4 kg/ha/year on average), copper-based pesticides remain indispensable for managing fungal and bacterial diseases [3]. The environmental impact is particularly severe in Italy, Greece, France, and Spain, where high Cu concentrations threaten agricultural sustainability. The LIFE MICROFIGHTER project presents an innovative approach to mitigate these issues by developing and testing a novel Zeo-Biopesticide composed of natural Italian zeolites (potassium chabazite) and a biocontrol microorganism (Pseudomonas sp. DLS65). This alternative aims to control key pathogens affecting grapevine, tomato, and olive, including downy mildew, bacterial speck, bacterial spot, olive knot, and peacock spot. By leveraging the synergistic effects of zeolites and biocontrol agents, the project seeks to significantly reduce or eliminate copper-based pesticide applications in organic and integrated farming systems. The project’s key objectives are: i) to reduce copper inputs from an average of 4 to 2 kg/ha/year without compromising crop yield and quality, with the potential for a complete Cu replacement; ii) to demonstrate a decrease in total soil Cu concentration while enhancing soil biodiversity; iii) to raise awareness among farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders about the environmental and health risks of Cu-based pesticides, promoting the Zeo-Biopesticide as a viable alternative; iv) to conduct comprehensive environmental monitoring, life cycle assessment (LCA), and an economic feasibility analysis to assess the long-term sustainability of the technology. To evaluate the impact of the Zeo-Biopesticide, total and bioavailable Cu concentrations in soil are monitored at the beginning and third year of the study using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Other physico-chemical soil parameters, including organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity, and cation exchange capacity, are analyzed to assess their correlation with Cu levels. Spatial distribution maps of Cu concentrations across experimental fields in Italy, Croatia, and Spain (nine sites in total) are created to visualize changes over time. After one year, baseline Cu data and initial distribution maps have been generated. These will be compared with subsequent analyses to determine the Zeo-Biopesticide’s effectiveness in reducing soil Cu contamination. By integrating natural mineral-based strategies with microbial biocontrol, LIFE MICROFIGHTER offers a promising, sustainable solution to Cu overuse in agriculture, supporting environmental protection and regulatory compliance while maintaining agricultural productivity. References: [1] Jez E et al. (2023) Appl Sci 13: 2595 [2] Pietrzak U et al. (2004) Geoderma 122: 151-166 [3] Yruela I (2005) Braz. J. Plant. Physiol 17: 145-156