Mineral oil/Spinosad
Under certain conditions and against some specific pests, i.e., mealybugs, aphids vectoring certain virus diseases, whiteflies, etc., mineral (paraffin) oil is occasionally used in Eastern European and Mediterranean countries. Agronomic practices and biocontrol, e.g., use of parasitic insects, can offer an alternative to mineral oils.
Building on the knowledge from RELACS and some industrial applications, SCALE-it will test different alternatives to mineral oil/Spinosad on a variety of plant species, such as citrus, potato, and different vegetables. Through a set of demonstration trials, the tested solutions will be upscaled to TRL 7-9. Proven strategies (systems approach) from previous projects are refined and new ones (for crops not previously addressed or new alternative products) will be developed.
