PurPest was presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Network In CHemical Ecology (E-NICHE), held in Évora, Portugal, from 25–27 June 2025.

Andrea Ficke from NIBIO showcased two posters, highlighting the role of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the detection of plant pests and pathogens. One poster focused on VOCs emitted by rhododendron and larch trees infected by various...

We are excited to announce that PurPest will be showcased at IPM ESSEN 2026, the world's leading trade fair for horticulture, taking place in Essen, Germany. Join us on January 27, 2026, at the Innovation Center Horticulture Technology, where we will present our latest progress in smart, site-specific solutions for plant pest prevention.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn...

On June 10, 2025, PurPest research was presented at the “Fachtagung Dialog Grün,” a key Swiss forum on sustainable plant protection organized by the Zurich Basel Plant Science Center under the theme Sustainable Plant Protection (Nachhaltiger Pflanzenschutz). The event took place at ETH Zürich. Two posters from the Université de Neuchâtel highlighted VOC based detection technologies developed...

As part of the 2025 PurPest project meeting, participants took part in a technical visit to a forested area in Tróia, Portugal, severely affected by pine wilt disease caused by the pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus). This field visit offered researchers and stakeholders a first-hand look at the ecological impacts of the disease on maritime pine ecosystems.

Participants...

The PurPest project will be presented at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the European Network In CHemical Ecology (E-NICHE) in Évora, Portugal, from 25–27 June. The contributions from NIBIO will focus on the identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by rhododendron and larch trees infected with different Phytophthora species, as well as VOCs produced by the pathogens grown...

With great enthusiasm, we share highlights from the successful PurPest Project meeting, held in Portugal from June 11–13, 2025. Around 40 participants from over 12 countries gathered for a dynamic program that included technical sessions at the University of Évora, a field visit to a pine forest affected by the pinewood nematode in Tróia, and a tour of PALSER, a wood and pallet...

On May 27, the PurPest project held an additional Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) meeting to strengthen our outreach and grow the stakeholder network. A leadership change within the Czech Nursery Association was announced, with a new representative expected to actively join the next SAB meeting. Discussions focused on strategies to engage nurseries and National Plant Protection Organizations...

A new study, led by partners from Wageningen University and Agroscope, was recently published in Scientific Reports, entitled "Migration extent and potential economic impact of the fall armyworm in Europe". The study highlights serious economic threats to European agriculture posed by the invasive fall armyworm, which was first detected in Europe in 2023.

Using bioclimatic modelling...

From May 21^st to 25^th, PurPest was advertised at the Oeiras Valley Science Festival by members of INIAV. This vibrant event brought together researchers, families, schools, and science enthusiasts to explore innovations in science, sustainability, and technology.

At the PurPest stand, visitors of all ages engaged with hands-on demonstrations. Children enjoyed using microscopes and...