Integrated Prevention and Biocontrol Solutions for the Most Devastating Citrus Pests

The challenge: European Citrus at risk

Europe’s citrus groves are facing a serious threat from three highly destructive pests: Candidatus Liberibacter (CL), its invasive insect vector Trioza erytreae, and the fungal disease Phyllosticta citricarpa (PC). These pests outbreaks have already caused billion-euros losses and significant damage in other continents like Africa, South America, and parts of Europe.

Their impact is so severe that they are listed as quarantine threats in the European Union. They endanger citrus yields, threaten the economic stability of growers, reduce the availability of fresh, healthy produce for consumers, and pose a serious risk to biodiversity.

Why does this matter?

Citrus fruits are vital to European agriculture, economies, and diets. From oranges to lemons, entire regions depend on their cultivation. CITRUSBUSTERS is working to ensure that devastating pest outbreaks won’t threaten this essential sector.

Our response

CITRUSBUSTERS is a four-year Research and Innovation Action funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. It is a collective response to the urgent threats facing citrus production. The project brings together leading researchers, growers, industry experts, and biotech innovators from across Europe and Brazil to develop integrated strategies for pest prevention and control.

We envision a future where European citrus is safeguarded through sustainable, smart, and bio-based pest management solutions designed to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

Our core ambition is to equip growers with a robust, practical toolkit to prevent, detect, and manage these devastating pests, supporting healthier crops, reducing reliance on conventional pesticides, and fostering a more resilient agricultural system.

CITRUSBUSTER’s objectives:

CITRUSBUSTER’s

objectives:

CITRUSBUSTERS is committed to delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions to protect citrus production across Europe. Our work is rooted in prevention, innovation, and the expansion of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) toolbox. Citrus growers will be equipped with practical tools to ensure healthier and stronger yields.

Our key objectives are to:

What is the Integrated Pest Management Toolbox?

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) toolbox is not is a well-established, science-based approach promoted by the European Union and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to manage pests in a more sustainable way.

Rather than relying on chemical pesticides alone, IPM combines complementary strategies such as:

Monitoring and forecasting of pest risks
Biological control using natural enemies
Resilient plant varieties
Targeted, minimal use of pesticides as a last resort

Expected results :

By the end of the project, CITRUSBUSTERS is set to deliver a set of high-impact outcomes:

Validated early-warning systems tested in real orchards
Innovative, smart biocontrol solutions targeting key citrus pests
Resilient plant strategies using non-GMO and bio-based tools
Grower-ready IPM protocols, co-developed with farmers and advisors
Policy-ready recommendations to support EU pest management goals

Method and framework:

Our approach is built around four interconnected pillars, combining advanced research with real-world applicability:

1. Smart Surveillance

We are developing intelligent tools for early detection and risk forecasting. These include:

LIDAR and hyperspectral imaging technologies
Co-culture models to study pathogen behaviour in controlled environments
Machine learning algorithms that integrate data on soil health, vector presence, and plant physiology to anticipate outbreaks before symptoms appear

2. Resilient Plant Strategies

We focus on strengthening the plant’s own defences through:

Non-GMO breeding techniques to improve resistance
Extraction and application of bioactive molecules that stimulate the plant’s immune system
Agroecological practices to reduce biotic stress and promote long-term crop health

3. Sustainable Biocontrol Solutions

We are formulating targeted biological alternatives to conventional pesticides, designed to be effective, scalable, and safe for both humans and ecosystems. These include:

Encapsulated endolysins to combat Candidatus Liberibacter
Microbial antifungal compounds to address Phyllosticta citricarpa
dsRNA-based tools that selectively target the insect vector Trioza erytreae

4. Stakeholder Integration and Policy Impact

CITRUSBUSTERS is committed to co-creating solutions with sector players, integrating real-world feedback for true impact. This includes:

Active collaboration with citrus growers, advisors, and regulatory bodies
Socio-economic assessments to ensure feasibility and acceptance
Development of policy recommendations and training materials to support uptake across Europe

Cross-continental collaboration for greater impact

CITRUSBUSTERS reflects the truly global nature of pest threats and the need for cross-border cooperation.

Our consortium brings together experts and stakeholders from eight countries, including 11 beneficiaries and one affiliated entity, with complementary roles and expertise.

We represent:

Southern Europe: Spain, Italy, and Greece – regions where citrus cultivation is a vital economic and cultural pillar
Central and Northern Europe: France, the Netherlands, and Slovakia – centres of excellence in biotechnology, data modelling, and agricultural innovation
Brazil: One of the world’s leading citrus producers, offering essential field experience, scientific know-how, and diverse testing conditions beyond the EU context

This wide geographic coverage allows us to test solutions across different climates, exchange best practices, and develop tools that are both locally relevant and globally scalable.

The Consortium: a multi-actor approach

CITRUSBUSTERS is a collaborative initiative built on co-creation. We work hand-in-hand with growers, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to develop solutions that are practical, scalable, and grounded in real-world needs.

We are equally committed to assessing the environmental, social, and economic impacts of our work—promoting fair, sustainable food systems and contributing to the restoration of Europe’s ecosystems and biodiversity.