New PurPest Video: The Cotton Bollworm

Here is our latest video, showcasing one of the key pests investigated in the PurPest project: the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera).

📽️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/qb44FOW18yA

In this video, we introduce the biology and significance of the cotton bollworm — a major agricultural pest that attacks a wide range of crops worldwide. The footage highlights why rapid, reliable pest detection is critical for protecting European agriculture and ecosystems.

The PurPest project is developing an innovative sensor platform to detect plant pests early, based on pest-specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by infested plants or the pests themselves. This approach aims to support inspectors, growers, and nurseries with fast, non-invasive tools to identify pest presence during import checks and in the field, helping prevent establishment and reduce pesticide use.