NEUROSTRESSPEP Developing novel biocontrol agents for insect pests from neuroendocrinology
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nEUROSTRESSPEP
Developing novel biocontrol
agents for insect pests
from neuroendocrinology
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@nEUROSTRESSPEP
www.neurostresspep.eu
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Developing novel biocontrol
agents for insect pests
from neuroendocrinology
Consortium contacts 4
nEUROSTRESSPEP explained 6
Aims and outcomes 8
What we do 10
The science & technology 11
Making a difference 12
Next steps 14
Agri-food supply chain 15
nEUROSTRESSPEP
Programme Co-ordinator
Professor Shireen Davies
University of Glasgow
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The Consortium
The consortium comprises world-leading researchers,
European companies, government agencies and
knowledge sharing networks, in this unique international
collaboration. The project will benefit from the expertise
of neuroscientists, ecologists, entomologists, biochemists,
chemists, physiologists, commercial companies, as well
as communication and dissemination experts.
nEUROSTRESSPEP nEUROSTRESSPEP Dissemination
Programme Co-ordinator and Stakeholder Engagement
Professor Shireen Davies Dr Jayne Brookman
Head of Agri-Food, KTN
Davidson Building
Institute of Molecular, Knowledge Transfer Network
Cell and Systems Biology Business Design Centre
College of Medical, 52 Upper Street
Veterinary and Life Sciences Islington
University of Glasgow London N1 0QH
Glasgow G12 8QQ
jayne.brookman@ktn-uk.org
Shireen.Davies@glasgow.ac.uk www.ktn-uk.org.uk
www.neurostresspep.eu
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5 2
4 6 11
14 10
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6 Professor Bryan Hanley
1 Professor Miriam Altstein Knowledge Transfer
11 Professor Guy Smagghe
Agricultural Research Network
University of Ghent
Organization
12 Professor Julian Dow
7 Professor Dick Nässel University of Glasgow
2 Dr Sören Deininger
Stockholm University
Bruker Daltonics GmBH
13 Professor Elwyn Isaac
8 Dr Jon Pickup, SASA, University of Leeds
3 Dr Daegan Inward
Scottish Government
Forest Research
14 Professor Jozef
Vanden Broeck
4 Professor Luke Alphey University of Leuven
The Pirbright Institute 9 Professor Gerd Gäde
University of Cape Town
Key stakeholder:
5 Dr Neil Morrison Dr Ron Nachman
Oxitec Ltd. 10 Professor Reinhard Predel United States
University of Cologne Department of Agriculture
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nEUROSTRESSPEP is a
Horizon 2020 project, funded
by the European Union
nEUROSTRESSPEP explained
nEUROSTRESSPEP is a Horizon 2020 need for novel, specific approaches
project, funded by the European Union. to control insect pests in light of the
The consortium of 14 partners, covering increased prevalence of insect resistance
the full spectrum from research lab to test to existing pesticides, as well as
field, has the common goal of identifying forthcoming legislation, which will limit
new, more specific and ‘greener’ ways the use of current insecticides. The
of controlling pest insect populations. project develops novel, insect species-
The project uses cutting-edge scientific specific biocontrol agents based on
advances on targeted approaches the use of peptides that interfere with
to combat insects that cause severe pest insect neurological functions while
damage to vitally important EU and leaving non-pest species unaffected.
global crops. This meets the urgent
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Initially, these agents will be used
There are two parts to the project:
to demonstrate laboratory-based
1. T
he rational design of proof of principle. They will then be
neuropeptide hormone analogues extended to semi-field and forest
for use in crop treatment
trials based on user need, employing
2. T
he employment of genetic a market driven approach. These
approaches to reduce novel agents will target specific
insect pest populations pest insects of cereals, horticultural
crops, vegetables and forestry.
In addition, these agents will be
designed to break down rapidly
and therefore will not have any
actual or potentially harmful effects
on humans or the environment.
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Aims and outcomes nEUROSTRESSPEP aims to develop natural resources. This will also increase innovative and specific insect pest control agricultural productivity and improve food solutions for agriculture, horticulture, and quality. By being more selective and thus forestry. Novel approaches developed by having a lower environmental footprint, the project will act to preserve and increase the solutions will address issues related crop yields where insect predation is a to legislation for chemical control agents, challenge while reducing the environmental the protection of beneficial insects, impact of agricultural production. This will insecticide resistance, and environmental provide a cost effective and efficient way sustainability. to control insect pests, including emergent, non-native and invasive insect species, while more effectively preserving limited 8
The project will deliver:
1. Data and methodology towards the
development of novel, ‘green’ insect
pest biocontrol products
2. Prototype biopesticides for
selective insect pest control
3. Increased innovation capacity and
the integration of new knowledge,
strengthening the competitiveness
of the EU agri-food industry
4. C
ompany growth by developing
innovations that meet the needs of
European and global markets
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25 researchers
are working and training in
internationally renowned centres of
excellence offering state-of-the-art
training not available elsewhere
What we do
nEUROSTRESSPEP is a Research This project is multidisciplinary in nature,
and Innovation project, generating new including neuroscientists, ecologists,
knowledge and new technologies from entomologists, biochemists, chemists,
fundamental research and exploring the physiologists, commercial companies
feasibility of these new approaches in the and translational research expertise.
laboratory, under glasshouse conditions, This academic-industrial setting supports
and in the field. competitive European research, and
nEUROSTRESSPEP is also delivering facilitates collaborative links between
training and professional development to consortium participants and other
its participants. Twenty five researchers stakeholders.
are working and training in internationally Project partners are sharing new
renowned centres of excellence offering knowledge as well as gathering input from
State-of-the-Art training not available future users of this innovative technology
elsewhere. This is essential for ensuring to ensure that project outcomes are fully
a pipeline of knowledge and innovation, exploited. Project partners present research
thereby leading to the success and growth outcomes at scientific conferences,
of the current and future EU economy. agricultural and trade shows and events,
through a dedicated project website
and social media, as well as via targeted
one-to-one meetings.
10The science & technology
The project is deploying a dual approach novel, environmentally sound strategies
- based on neuroendocrinological for controlling some of the world’s most
and genetic approaches - to develop serious insect pests.
neuropeptide analogues that specifically A complementary approach includes the
target selected insects while leaving development of male insects that have been
beneficial insects unaffected. genetically altered so that they are unable
Hormonal neuropeptides regulate to produce biologically active neuropeptides
many aspects of insect physiology under specific conditions, leading to reduced
and development, including feeding, fitness or death. If the wild population is
growth, and reproductive behaviour. inundated by these modified male insects,
Understanding neuroendocrine control with the aim of mating with wild ‘normal’
of physiology, response to environmental females, resultant offspring will contain the
stress and behaviour across insect defect and can thus be controlled in the
species also provides routes for insect same way as the male parent. Many genetic
control via development and application of pest management tools have a conditional
neuropeptide mimics (analogues) for field expression system or sensor operably linked
application. These will selectively disrupt to an effector molecule, in pest insects this is
specific physiological processes, and thus often a lethal effector.
reduce survival and reproduction of target Both approaches can be effectively
(pest) species. Development of such deployed across multiple target pest species
neuropeptide analogues thus allow for and will not affect beneficial insects.
11Making a difference Society requires farmers to produce greater complexity in the data requirements sufficient food at an affordable price, this of regulatory bodies, although could also is becoming increasingly challenging with be indicative of the time requirement to the existing and growing pest and disease satisfy regulators.3 These factors represent pressure, and reduced availability of a serious global threat to plant protection regulated pesticides. At present, we lose in agriculture, horticulture and forestry. at least 20% or our world productivity to The European Directive 2009/128/ insect attack. Currently, 108 insecticides EC aims to achieve the sustainable use are authorized in the EU, of which 93 of pesticides in the EU by reducing the insecticides were approved in the last risks and impacts of pesticide use on ten years. From these, 89 will expire human health and the environment. The in the next ten years, 72 within the next directive also aims to promote the use of five years, while 43 within the next two.1 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and In addition to this, more than 500 alternative approaches or techniques, arthropod pests worldwide have such as non-chemical alternatives to developed resistance to insecticides pesticides. This project addresses the in the last 50 years.2 needs of the European farming sector The overall costs of discovery and by developing alternative approaches development of a new crop protection to insect pest control which will also be product increased from €115m in 1995 relevant for emergent, non-native and to €215m in 2014. This is likely due to invasive insect species. The key initial 12
20%
At present, we lose at least
20% of our world productivity
to insect attack
beneficiaries will be growers in the three nEUROSTRESSPEP will strengthen the
key sectors - agriculture, horticulture and competitiveness and growth of companies
forestry. nEUROSTRESSPEP will have a by generating new foundational knowledge,
real societal impact by developing solutions new paradigms concerning pest
for food and timber production, and the management, and communicating both
environment. Consumers are increasingly this knowledge and market needs up and
aware of what is in their food and there is down the agri-food innovation value chain.
a growing movement to limit the use of all The breadth of specialist input assembled
chemical interventions. in nEUROSTRESSPEP is far beyond
Sustained interaction between the general the resources of any individual company.
public, farmers, growers, policy makers, The exploitation of this expertise will allow
scientists, and industry will help fill gaps industry to benefit economically from the
in our knowledge, and in doing so, will technology, while enhancing their R&D and
influence effective policy design. technology base.
1 EU-Pesticides Database. Accessed via http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/pesticides/eu-pesticides-database/
public/?event=activesubstance.selection&language=EN on 9 February, 2018
2 CropLife International, April 2007. Insecticide Resistance Action Committee. Resistance Management for Sustainable Agriculture
and Improved Public Health. Accessed via http://www.irac-online.org/documents/irac-croplife-irm-booklet/
3 Phillips Mc Dougall, March 2016. Agrochemical Research and development: The Cost of New Product Discovery, Development
and Registration and Industry R&D expenditure in 2014 and expectations for 2019. Accessed via http://www.ecpa.eu/sites/default/
files/R-and-D_report_2016_FINAL_revised_2016-04-13.pdf on 9 February 2018
13Next steps
nEUROSTRESSPEP is a four-year Horizon
2020 project (1st June 2015 to 31st May Key challenges to successful
2019) with the ultimate aim of progressing commercial exploitation include:
developments from the laboratory to the
Intended markets
field. Our partners cover the full range of
(crops, countries, regions or priority)
expertise, from world-leading neuropeptide
specialists, to SMEs, to field trial specialists Acceptance and intended
and end-user consortia. By the end of use by growers
the programme, we aim to have new,
rationally designed and selective peptides Acceptance by consumers
in field trials.
Project partners are seeking to engage Regulatory issues
with representatives of the entire agri-food
Understanding other potential
supply chain (growers and producers,
barriers to adoption
agrochemical companies, scientific
community, consumer groups, NGOs,
regulatory bodies, media and publicity nEUROSTRESSPEP has established
channels) to share new knowledge, as well a project User Group representing
as gather inputs from the future users of a variety of stakeholders in the agri-food
this innovative technology. This will ensure supply chain, and has identified key named
maximal exploitation of project outcomes. contacts at all relevant organisations.
The group will conduct a number of
activities to better understand opportunities
and barriers to the successful exploitation
of these novel approaches.
14Agri-food supply chain©KTN
Inputs
Seeds, Fertiliser, Harvested Processed Product, Food packaging Finished product
Pesticides, Veterinary Product Energy, Water outlets
Medicines
Primary
Chain
Farmer Food Processor Food Producer Retailer Consumer
Science Base
Expert and
Agronomist/ Process Product Developer/ Packaging & Marketing & Sales
Veterinarian/ Engineer Pilot Plant Engineer Transport Logistics
Science Expert
Secondary
Chain
Education Historical Legislation Social Influences Waste Valorisation
& Insight Perspective & Recycling
© Knowledge Transfer Network
15www.neurostresspep.eu www.ktn-uk.co.uk
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