Group targets development of new tools to combat rising threat of disease brought about by climate change and international trade
Suppliers, scientists, and policymakers have formed a new alliance to combat the growing problem of pests and diseases in Europe’s citrus production.
Called Citrusbusters, the group said it would identify and deploy a range of new tools – from AI-powered detection systems to natural, organic pest control – in order to tackle threats such as Citrus huanglongbing and Citrus black spot, which they say are on the rise as a result of climate change and global trade.
“Citrus is vital for Europe’s food security and economy,” said Paloma Juárez Ortega of Valencia-based technology centre Ainia, which oversees the project. “But with destructive diseases like Citrus huanglongbing and Citrus black spot posing increasing threats, we urgently need faster, safer, and smarter ways to protect our crops, before it’s too late.”
She added: “Through Citrusbusters, we are developing cutting-edge, sustainable tools to detect and prevent outbreaks, strengthen plant resilience, and fight pests like Candidatus Liberibacter, Phyllosticta citricarpa, and their vectors – offering real hope for the future of European citrus farming.”
Funded by the Horizon Europe programme, the alliance includes agri-tech centres, universities, farmer groups (including Asaja, Spain’s largest professional agricultural organisation), research institutes, and a number of private companies – among them leading Spanish fresh produce supplier Anecoop.
A total of 11 organisations are involved, from countries including Spain, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Greece, and Brazil.
