The Nanoferti II R&D project validates its nanomaterials in the field to improve the nutritional efficiency of crops

Challenge and challenge of society

Spanish horticulture has grown and strengthened over time, thanks to its evolution and adaptation toward more intensive and technologically advanced production systems , capable of meeting the demands of the local population and even expanding into international markets. 

This trend has led us to increase theoretical production thresholds , thanks to a greater quantity or frequency in the application of inputs, whether fertilizers or pesticides. This reality, which we have been experiencing in recent decades, must change and has an expiration date.  In Spain , for example , the irrational use of fertilizers has generated a reaction and warning from the  European Commission to the Government , since nitrate levels in several aquifers exceed more than four times the limits established by the Commission (50 mg.L -1) and the World Health Organization (WHO) .  

Food production continues to face the challenge of increasing yields, reducing waste , and implementing sustainable techniques in harmony with the environment and humans .   

Within the framework of this project , and with the coordination of Cellbitec and the participation of Nanointec , we are working on the  development and validation of multifunctional nanomaterials that maximize crop yield and improve their response to biotic and abiotic stress factors, while respecting the environment in which we work and live. 

Scientific Collaboration 

This proposal has the participation of Dr. José Manuel Delgado López (scientific coordinator of the project) and Dr. Gloria Belén Ramírez , Ramón y Cajal Post - doctoral researcher , as a scientific team   from the  University of Granada  (UGR) , and on behalf  of the University of Almería, Prof. Miguel Guzmán Palomino and Calina Borgovan ( Research Staff/PhD candidate ) participate . Additionally, the Coordinating Company ( Cellbitec ) as well as Nanointec , provide the project with a highly qualified team specialized in the development of agri-food technologies.

Applications and solutions for agriculture

Thanks to Nanomaterials engineering , during the execution of this project, Nanoi ntec has scaled up the production  processes of new nanomaterials and is evaluating them in different crops , under different conditions , to make profitable and efficient solutions available to the agri-food sector .  

Currently, a line of products aimed at managing plant growth through resistance induction mechanisms is being optimized exclusively for the seed sector.  

In other important horticultural crops such as peppers and tomatoes , the efficiency in the use of key elements such as calcium and its effect on quality and yield has been validated in different commercial varieties , increasing the weight of the bunch in tomatoes by up to 20% or the number of fruits per plant by 5-10 % in peppers . 

In the context of this project, potential uses and applications in mango cultivation are also being investigated , thanks to the collaboration of pioneering companies in this crop, such as  TROPS . 

TROPS is a producer organization specializing in the production and marketing of avocados and mangoes. Its growers range from the Axarquía region (Málaga) and the tropical coast of Granada, along the coast of Valencia, and all the way to the Portuguese Algarve. They have been successfully marketing to international markets since 1979, always committed to quality and excellence.

Other positive experiences have been evidenced in innovative crops (developed by other divisions of the Beyond Seeds group), such as Zucchiolo^® , increasing yield and quality, or in Bínu^® , enhancing physiological processes such as flowering .  

These results motivate all members of the consortium to continue developing and expanding their portfolio with new solutions that address real-world problems faced by farmers, farmers, and consumers. 

The Project is funded by the  Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities / State Research Agency (MICIN/AEI) , and by the European Union through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, Next Generation EU Funds of the European Union.