The members of the Euphresco network propose a number of ideas each year. Through the activities of EUPHRESCO III, research ideas have also originated from consultations organized worldwide by the EUPHRESCO III champions. These research ideas can lead to transnational collaborations, provided that they raise enough interest, that coordinators are identified and national funds are committed.
Collaboration with research organisations that are not members of the network is encouraged. For any questions on how to be involved in Euphresco projects, please contact the Euphresco network office. The research ideas proposed for transnational collaboration in 2026 are presented below:
1. Testing and validation of innovative tools for generic surveillance of wood-boring beetles
The project aims to test and validate a number of tools for the generic surveillance of Scolytinae, Buprestidae and Cerambycidae, including: multi-coloured and multi-lured baited traps, smart traps, and entomoscope.
2. Digital technologies for plant health surveillance and diagnostics: potential and opportunities
The project seeks to map and evaluate cutting-edge AI-driven and digital technologies for surveillance and diagnostics in plant health, providing a framework to assess real-world performance of smart monitoring systems.
3. Climate change and plant health: moving beyond climate matching
The project aims to address the impacts of climate change on plant health beyond traditional climate-matching models and to foster global collaboration.
4. Xylella fastidiosa detection, surveillance, and preparedness
The project will focus on developing early detection strategies for Xylella fastidiosa in pathogen-free areas combining spy insect vector monitoring and sentinel plants, as well as to validate field protocols for surveillance and diagnostics.
5. Engaging the wider community: Evidence based social engagement for biosecurity
The project aims to strengthen public engagement in plant health and biosecurity efforts by evaluating and mapping effective public outreach, citizen science and educational strategies across diverse regions and sectors.
6. Management and harmonised diagnostics for Fusarium spp. (including TR4)
The project seeks to improve detection and management of Fusarium species by harmonizing diagnostic methods, validating protocols across laboratories, improving access to reference materials and compiling data on resistant varieties and biocontrol strategies.
7. Integrated pest management and biological control for multiple priority pests
The project aims to develop sustainable, regionally harmonized IPM strategies targeting major priority pests (false codling moth, Huanglongbing, fall armyworm, Tuta absoluta, thrips) and tailored to diverse crops and agro-climatic conditions.
8. Surveillance and integrated management of vector-borne plant pathogens
The project seeks to strengthen global surveillance and management of insect vectors spreading critical plant pathogens like Huanglongbing or virus complexes. Standard operating procedures and contingency plans will be created to improve coordination and preparedness across countries.
9. Fruit fly (Tephritidae) management and trade compliance in fruit crops
The project aims to sustainably manage fruit flies (Tephritidae) by implementing area-wide strategies that combine attractants, biopesticides and harmonized monitoring protocols to minimize pest damage and safeguard crop quality.
10. Exploring metagenomic sequencing strategies on plant extracts to enhance detection and identification of bacterial plant pathogens
The project seeks to overcome key challenges in metagenomic sequencing for the detection and identification of regulated bacterial plant pathogens by optimizing sample preparation and sequencing strategies, and improving bioinformatic pipelines.
11. Extent of Pectobacterium and Dickeya spp. infestation in watercourses
The project will conduct systematic surveys of watercourses to determine the presence of Pectobacterium and Dickeya species, assess crop risks and develop NGS-based approaches to improve pathogen detection.
12. Early and sensitive detection of Tomato fruit blotch virus (ToFBV) using qPCR and possible LAMP assays in insect vectors and different tomato plant tissues
The project aims to strengthen early detection and management of Tomato fruit blotch virus (ToFBV) by optimizing and validating qPCR and LAMP assays for diagnostics across asymptomatic plant tissues and potential insect vectors.
13. Assessing the genetic consequences of resistance-based selection for breeding in European ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
The project will assess the genetic impact of resistance-based breeding against ash dieback to ensure breeding programmes retain the genetic diversity needed for long-term resilience.
14. Predictive framework for risk assessment of invasive “sleeper species”
The project will develop predictive tools to determine when “sleeper” non-native insects may become damaging forest pests. The results will support early warning systems and proactive forest protection strategies in a changing climate.
15. Optimising monitoring and control strategies for the priority quarantine pest Popillia japonica
This project will develop integrated management strategies for Popillia japonica by optimizing trapping tools, evaluating biological control agents and testing pesticides and repellents under controlled and field conditions.
16. VIRNET3: community network for practices in plant virology-from theory to practice
The project will translate previous recommendations from VIRNET and VIRENET2 projects into practice-oriented examples, focusing on how existing and newly generated data can be systematically exploited to improve risk assessment for viral diseases.
17. Defining best practice for field-based phytosanitary measures to control forestry pests of high concern
The project will address critical knowledge gaps in controlling bark- and wood-inhabiting insect pests, such as the Bronze Birch Borer and Agrilus planipennis, by testing wood/bark treatment efficacy and evaluating practical control measures.
18. Multidiagnostics of potato pathogens using next-generation sequencing technologies (HTS) - epidemiological studies and workflow application for accredited diagnostic laboratories
The project will develop a high-throughput sequencing (HTS) workflow to detect known and emerging potato pathogens and identify their insect vectors.
19. Determining time of introduction for outbreaks of wood boring quarantine pests
The project aims to compile and summarize methods for estimating the age of outbreaks caused by wood-boring pests, providing guidance for early outbreak management and contingency planning.
20. Development of diagnostic tools for insecticide resistance via NGS and Artificial Intelligence through international sample sharing and model building
The project aims to improve resistance monitoring and reduce insecticide use in major global pests, such as Spodoptera frugiperda and Helicoverpa armigera, by using large NGS datasets and developing AI-driven tools.
21. Risk modelling and development of digital tools for the detection of False Coding Moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in export produce
The project aims to develop and validate digital tools to detect and manage False Coding Moth (FCM) eggs and larvae in export crops, enhancing detection and inspection strategies across diverse ecological zones.
22. Development and use of digital tools for surveillance and modelling of Goss's wilt in Africa
The project seeks to strengthen preparedness and management of Goss's wilt in Africa through coordinated regional surveillance using digital tools, risk modelling, standardizing diagnostic assays and building a reference collection of isolates and plant material.
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