POMATO project

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SAFEGUARDING POTATO AND TOMATO CROPS

What we do

The POMATO project focuses on combating the spread of quarantine pests, particularly Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cs) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), which threaten the health and quality of potato and tomato crops. Our goal is to safeguard the crops by developing early detection systems, bio-control solutions, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to reduce pest incidence by 40-60%.

Our Approach

Transdisciplinary Strategy

Combining scientific expertise with practical, on-the-ground knowledge to create sustainable pest management solutions

Stakeholder Engagement

Engaging a wide range of stakeholders, from farmers and research institutions to agrochemical companies, for comprehensive and collaborative solutions.

Technology-Driven Innovation

Utilizing advanced technologies such as AI predictive models, drones for field detection, and polymeric sensors to develop efficient early detection and monitoring systems.

Innovative Solutions Network

The POMATO project brings together key actors from the potato/tomato value chain worldwide, including academic institutions, agrochemical companies, and farmers, to develop, validate, and implement innovative strategies for pest management and crop protection.

Key Pillars

The project involves four key pillars, where field trials will evaluate and validate all developed strategies. These trials will focus on:

Isolating and characterizing resistance genes.
Developing early detection technologies.
Creating bio-control solutions for seed, plant, and soil.
Implementing and refining Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.

Countries

Partners

Case Studies

POMATO PROJECT VALUE

The POMATO project consortium consists of universities, research centers, SMEs, agrochemical companies, and farmers from Europe and Latin America. Together, we aim to develop and implement innovative, tailored solutions to combat the spread of bacterial diseases, ensuring the health and sustainability of potato and tomato crops.

4 Case Studies across key European and Latin American regions will focus on testing and validating solutions to prevent and reduce the impact of Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cs) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs) on potato and tomato crops.

The case studies will involve extensive collaboration between researchers and stakeholders to co-design, implement, and evaluate cutting-edge strategies, including early detection technologies, bio-control solutions, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.

International experts will lead efforts in stakeholder engagement, dissemination, and communication, ensuring that the POMATO project’s outcomes are shared with a wide audience, including policymakers, industry leaders, and farmers, for maximum impact.

Meet our Partners

Led by the University of Burgos, POMATO brings together 16 partners from top universities, research organizations, SMEs, agrochemical companies, and farmers. Our international partners from regions severely affected by Cs/Rs, like Colombia and Ecuador, ensure that we exchange best practices and adapt solutions to different farming environments.