CAPCYDIA

Project financing:

Total budget: 449 278

 PSH budget: 84 589,28

 Financier : ANR

Duration: 3 years (2024-2026)

Digest:

The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is a major pest of apple and pear orchards. Current control strategies still rely heavily on conventional pesticides, whose environmental and health impacts are significant. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), natural insect parasites that rapidly kill larvae, represent a promising biocontrol alternative. However, their large-scale use is hindered by formulation and storage limitations.

The CapCydia project aims to overcome these challenges by developing innovative formulations based on entomopatogenic nematods (EPNs) encapsulation. This method protects EPNs, extends their shelf life, and enhances their effectiveness under field conditions. The project will design an “attract-and-kill” strategy that combines natural codling moth attractants with EPNs, including strains isolated from orchards.

Project partners:

IEM, INRAE DGIMI, SudExpé et la SATT AxLR