PurPest Podcast: Sniffing out plant pests

How can we sniff out plant pests and diseases?

Every year, large quantities of plant material are imported into Europe — and along with these plants, stowaways may arrive that can cause serious damage to forests, agriculture, and biodiversity. In this podcast, Andrea Ficke, coordinator of the PurPest project, explains how it is possible to create electronic noses (e-noses) capable of detecting these hidden pests before they can cause harm.

PurPest harnesses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted both by the pests and by the plants under attack, enabling early detection well before visible damage occurs. During the episode, Andrea Ficke discusses how this research is applied to:

• Improve the accuracy and timeliness of pest detection

• Support nurseries, importers, and foresters in implementing evidence-based pest management strategies

• Integrate biological insights, sensor technology, and data analysis for practical, real-world applications

Listen to the podcast, to discover how PurPest is advancing technology-driven approaches to plant health, preventing the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases.