TreStar – Extraction of active ingredients for biological plant protection products from agricultural by-products

Challenge

TreStar is investigating the feasibility of extracting bioactive compound complexes for biological plant protection products from agricultural byproducts (including grape stems, sunflower seed hulls, and rapeseed hulls).

Objectives and project plan

The project aims to investigate the fundamental feasibility of extracting plant protection active ingredients from by-products. To this end, cascading processing and extraction methods will be developed and evaluated on a laboratory scale. The methods developed are intended to allow for easy transferability to industrial-scale production in the future. The extracts obtained are systematically tested for their herbicidal and fungicidal efficacy, including through in vitro assays and seedling tests. Additionally, the extent to which combining different extracts can produce synergistic effects is being investigated. Overall, the project aims to establish a scientifically sound foundation for the development of sustainable, resource-efficient, and practical biological plant protection products.

Impact

The project lays the groundwork for subsequent research initiatives aimed at further developing, scaling up, and applying biological plant protection solutions. This new approach enables byproducts from the agricultural and food industries to be put to higher-value uses. Since the sourcing of raw materials, processing, and application as plant protection products take place regionally, CO2 emissions are avoided and nature conservation is enhanced through the use of natural plant protection products.