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 2025 are presented below:
Scoping the risk from Oomycete pathogens associated with bark products to horticulture, landscaping, forestry, and the wider environment
The project will focus on a commodity, bark that represents high risk in terms of harbouring plant pathogens. Information on bark origins, phytosanitary treatments, and trade will be collected and analysed in order to better understand the plant health risks and better manage them.
Metagenomic analysis of phytopathogenic bacteria by high-throughput sequencing in soil and plants, including evaluation of the effectiveness of applied bactericides
The project aims to assess the feasibility of using high throughput sequencing to diagnose bacteria in soil and plants. Plant and soil material will be sampled, analysed through metagenomic approaches and bacteria isolated and stored in collections.
Investigation of vectors, genetic diversity and transmissibility of stolbur and associated diseases in European seed potato production
The project aims to shed light on the epidemiology of ‘Candidatus phytoplasma solani’, ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus ’ and their vectors.
On-site diagnostics: how to make it happen
The project aims to define the scope of on-site testing within the plant health system and to develop and validate on-site diagnostic tests for prioritized pests.
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.
Fast and harmonized detection methods for quarantine Tephritidae
The project aims to continue the work initiated in the Euphresco project 2021-A-373 TEPHRIFADE. Rapid tests for the identification of Tephritidae species will be developed and specimens will be collected and characterized.
Risk assessment and mitigation in wood chip and fuelwood international trade
The project will focus on assessing non-commodities destructive technologies for pest detection, evaluating phytosanitary measures to overall assess and mitigate the risk of wood chip and fuelwood trade.
Bacterial diseases associated to forest decline – A risk for planetary health?
The project will contribute to update the presence of bacterial diseases of forest trees in the participant countries, better understand the epidemiology of these diseases, and to validate diagnostic tests and management procotols.
Searching for new ways of controlling Scaphoideus titanus and fungal bark diseases of fruit trees through bark protection
The project aims to develop and validate sustainable plant protection measures against Scaphoideus titanus and fungal diseases of bark. Priorities will be given to environmentally friendly products and substances that can be applied to the bark shortly before the expected egg hatching. Promising products will be tested in semi-field conditions.
Cropping rotations and intercrops when managing outbreaks of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and M. fallax
The project will allow to gather knowledge on cropping rotations and intercropping as methods for the sustainable management of nematodes.
Preliminary screening for early detection of Tilletia indica in wheat loads entering EU
The project aims to evaluate methods (e.g. detection dogs, volatile organic compounds VOCs) for the screening of the pathogenic fungus Tilletia indica.
Application of Trichoderma BCA strains in forest nurseries to protect seedlings from pathogens and pests
The project aims at evaluating the potential of Trichoderma species as a biological control agent for managing pathogens in forest nurseries. Trichoderma treatments will be assessed against traditional phytosanitary measures.
Integrative approach to streamline trade compliances of fruits and vegetables from Asia with respect to fruit flies
The project will identify, document, and promote sustainable fruit fly management practices, such as the use of biologicals and attractants. Phytosanitary treatments will be evaluated.
Risk assessment of anthracnose of tree and chili plants
The project will investigate the genetic, environmental, and biological factors influencing susceptibility of fruit trees and chili plants to Colletotrichum spp. Diagnostics tests and phytosanitary measures (e.g. synthetic fungicides and biopesticides) will be assessed.
Bio-rational management of invasive rugose spiralling whitefly in coconut and banana
The project aims to develop and validate sustainable pest management approaches against Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, based on biological control agents, cultural practices and natural pesticides.
Advancing metagenomic sequencing for bacterial genome assembly from plant extracts: a case study on Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in maize
The project aims to gather knowledge on the use of metagenomics for bacterial identification and to validate the method on Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii in maize.
Identification and characterization of host plant resistance in maize against fall army worm
The project will evaluate and characterize the resistance levels of maize genotypes against Spodoptera frugiperda. The project will also promote sustainable pest management practices, by combining host plant resistance with integrated pest management (IPM) approaches.
Eco-friendly mitigation of Phytophthora root rot in vegetables using biostimulants and biopesticides
The project will assess the efficacy of commercial biopesticides against Phythophthora and biostimulants to improve productivity of selected vegetable crops. The efficacy of the treatments will be evaluated in pot and field trials.
Potato Diseases and Vectors
The project will develop integrated, comprehensive strategies for managing potato diseases and their vectors, with a strong emphasis on advancing biological understanding, improving diagnostic techniques, and creating effective control measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of potato production.
Using a modeling approach to improve detection, eradication and management of Asian long-horned beetle
The project aims to mine data to identify correlations between Asian long-horned beetle host choice, landscape factors and characteristics of infested trees and to create prediction models.
Development of genetic and ecological approaches for managing the spread of Ambrosia artemisiifolia
The project aims to analyse Ambrosia artemisiifolia genetic traits, ecological tolerances, and dispersal patterns and to develop sustainable control strategies.