VINNY - Advanced nano encapsulation of bio-based pesticides and fertilisers for a circular and sustainable viticulture

The VINNY project aims to develop sustainable, low-cost nanoformulated biopesticides (nanoBPs) and biofertilisers (nanoBFs) to contribute to more resilient viticultural systems. The application of nanoformulations will contribute to the definitive shift from intensive to sustainable agriculture in viticulture on a global scale. This goal will be achieved using natural-based green circular economy concepts, through: 1. a holistic approach to vine physiology, where metabolites and bioactives based on the microbiome of different vineyards in Europe (Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark) will be studied to form potent cocktails with antifungal and phytopharmaceutical properties and 2. industrial by-products, NPK-rich actives from sludge from local wastewater treatment plants and the meat industry, to be used as biofertilisers.

The project focuses on stabilising and increasing the efficacy of these actives through the use of two different bioplatforms: nanoformulation/encapsulation of BPs and impregnation in agrotextiles in the case of BFs. The platforms will be based on biodegradable, renewable and abundant biological resources from plants or, in the case of biopesticides, on dynamically active nanoformulations, i.e. based on stimuli-sensitive biopolymers capable of releasing the active ingredient and improving its efficacy through external stimuli (wind) and/or internal pathways (enzymes in fungi). The VINNY project will then validate these platforms according to their efficacy using in vitro, ex vivo and in planta tests against the most prevalent pathogens in the vineyard and assess their biocompatibility, confirm the absence of nanotoxicity and in field tests (selection of 4 vineyards - Portugal, Spain, Austria and Denmark) with the best performing candidates. This development approach along the entire chain will allow for the optimisation and adaptation of viticultural practices towards greater grape quality and productivity.

Project's Objectives:

VINNY's main objective is to develop nano-formulated, sustainable and low-cost biopesticides (nanoBPs) and biofertilisers (nanoBFs) to contribute to more resilient vineyard systems. The specific objectives are:

1. To explore new bioactives: vine-derived biopesticides and industrial biofertilisers based on by-products from the meat industry and wastewater treatment;
2. Develop new environmentally friendly nanobiopesticides and nanobiofertilisers using nanoencapsulation techniques;
3. Developing agrotextiles impregnated with nanobiofertilisers;
4. Test their efficiency, efficacy and safety in vitro, in planta and in the field.