Innovative Zeo-biopesticide: ecofriendly and sustainable disease management strategies for grapevine, olive and tomato

The use of copper in agriculture and its accumulation in soil are no longer sustainable in modern agro-ecosystems. Our research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative Zeo-biopesticide as an alternative to copper-based products, in line with the European Green Deal. We developed a bio-formulation, based on the association between a zeolite carrier and one bacterial ntagonist (Pseudomonas synxantha, strain DLS65). P. synxantha was checked in vitro and in planta against the following pathogens: Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst), Xanthomonas vesicatoria (Xv), Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi (Pss), Plasmopara viticola (Pv), and Spilocea oleaginea (So). In vitro, P. synxantha showed a strong antagonistic activity by significantly reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria up to 20%, whereas the growth of So mycelium was reduced by 30%. The zeolite P. synxantha formulation allowed the survival and bioactivity of the bacterial antagonist for longer than 6 months. Therefore, the industrial formulation of the Zeo-biopesticide was evaluated in planta. In potted 2-years plants, the bio-formulation was able to significantly reduce the severity of downy mildew of grape, whereas, on olive plants, the Zeobiopesticide was able to reduce the severity of olive knot diseases in the same way as copper. Trials in commercial tomato fields, vineyards, and olive groves are currently ongoing in Italy, Croatia, and Spain, to assess the bio-formulation efficacy in different geographical areas. The first-year field evaluation of this innovative Zeo-biopesticide, in comparison with copper-based products suggests that copper use may be reduced by 50%, and our formulation maybe considered as a prospective biopesticide, though its dosage should be adapted to crop and area.