Because this is a platform technology, it can easily be extended to the detection of other unwanted contaminants (fungi, toxins, allergens, pesticides, heavy metals, etc.). The case studies may lead to new pathways to explore.
A number of professional growers allowed their soil to be examined for soil-based plant pathogens (nematodes, fungi and pseudo-fungi), and the effect of a variety of control methods was studied.
food processing plant "Food Pilot" equipped with >50 pieces of semi-industrial equipmentWorkshop for building prototypes for automatizaton and robotizationComposting site and compost reactorILVO also has more than 40 accredited labs for specialized analyses: Food analysesAnimal-related analysesMarine analysesDiagnosis of plant-pathogenic bacteria, fungi
ILVO has experts on fungi, viruses, bacteria, insects, mites and nematodes. They know the life cycles of plant attackers, develop identification methods and control strategies, and provide knowledge for the implementation of successful IPM strategies.
The awareness is growing that a healthy soil life – all fungi, bacteria and living organisms, perhaps even more than the physical and mineral composition of the soil - influences the plant’s natural resilience and defenses against diseases and pests.
Marine organisms such as bacteria and fungi can be useful in biotechnological processes, such as the conversion and degradation of various substances. The immense gene and protein pool itself can also form an important new marine resource with an important valorization potential.