What the Project Is
Cearitis joins Agriodor and accelerates the development of biocontrol solutions for fruit crops! This innovative project is a start-up created in March 2020 that proposes a biological alternative to conventional insecticides for protecting crops, particularly focusing on fruit fly control. Every year, pest insects cause $70 billion in agricultural losses, and this challenge has only intensified with climate change and the appearance of new harmful species. By harnessing natural fragrances to influence insect behavior, the project aims to protect crops effectively while preserving the environment, human health, and biodiversity… in truly sustainable ways.
Main Benefit
- Reduces reliance on chemical insecticides and supports sustainable agriculture.
- Addresses a $70 billion loss problem caused by pest insects annually.
- Targets fruit flies — female fruit flies can destroy between 5% and 30% of worldwide crops.
- Validated laboratory technology with a patented prototype since 2020.
- Sets a focus on protecting olive trees initially, inspired by familial olive-growing roots in Italy.
The Science Behind the Innovation
At the core of Cearitis’ approach is the plant-insect relationship. The project leverages the highly sensitive olfactory capabilities of insects by creating natural fragrances designed to influence the behavior of harmful pests. Natural chemical signals are harnessed to both repel unwanted insects and attract them away from the crops. The innovative system utilizes a repellent and an attractant strategy that diverts flies from infesting a culture while simultaneously drawing them into traps outside the orchard. This scientific method, while sounding almost like something out of nature’s own toolbox, is both ingenious and effective.
The Team Driving the Change
The project is supported by an international team of doctors and agronomists who combine scientific excellence with entrepreneurial know-how. Often working in both the fields and laboratory settings, the team’s dedication reflects a humble yet ambitious spirit to reveal nature’s extraordinary potential. Their efforts ensure that the active ingredients used in the fragrances remain both efficient in protecting crops and ecologically friendly. The team’s multidisciplinary approach and relentless determination drive the progress of this biocontrol innovation, setting new benchmarks in sustainable agriculture.
Milestones and Achievements
Cearitis has witnessed several important milestones since its inception. The project has moved from lab validation to the finalization of a first prototype and the successful patenting of its innovative technology in 2020. These achievements came at a time when the need for non-chemical solutions in pest control was more urgent than ever. In a significant step forward, the planned field trials set for June 2021 aim to validate the efficiency of the technology on an actual orchard setting — specifically targeting olive trees, a nod to the project’s deep-rooted family history. Meanwhile, incubation at Genopole in Evry, France, and discussions with prominent agroindustries underscore the project’s growth and its potential to transform the agricultural sector.
Project Expansion and Future Collaborations
With field trials on the horizon and discussions underway with Business Angels and agroindustry partners, the project continues to extend its reach. The development phase is supported by robust financial backing and a commitment to long-term sustainability. This is not merely about creating another crop protection method; it is about fostering an environmentally responsible alternative that can scale globally. The tension between tradition, as seen in the olive orchards of Italy, and modern scientific innovation makes this project uniquely captivating. There is a sense of excitement and patient anticipation — a willingness to test, iterate, and evolve the technology to meet real-world challenges.
Project Impact
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – by contributing to more secure and resilient food production systems.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – through the development of cutting-edge biocontrol technology.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – by reducing reliance on chemical insecticides.
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Growth
The future of Cearitis is filled with promise. The upcoming field trials will not only validate the technology but will also serve as a stepping stone for further research and development. There is a dynamic interplay between scientific research and practical application, and every experiment in an orchard or a controlled lab environment brings additional insights. With continuous conversations with agroindustry experts and investors, the project is poised to accelerate its growth. The evolution of biocontrol solutions provides an inspirational narrative — one that is deeply rooted in the sustainable nourishment of the planet through responsible, ecological innovation… and a shared vision of a greener future.
