Strategy to mitigate pesticide resistance as a key factor in ensuring sustainable agroecosystem development

The project will develop and implement a holistic, science-based approach to tackling pesticide resistance by integrating early detection, innovative management strategies, and foresight activities. It will shift plant protection from a reactive to a systemic, preventive resistance management approach, covering the entire production cycle, from field practices to post-harvest stages. The project will focus on identifying the biological and environmental mechanisms that drive the development of resistance and on assessing the associated economic and ecological impacts. Advanced early-detection methods, including biological, molecular, and digital tools, will be integrated into predictive and AI-based models to support early-warning systems and informed decision-making at the farm, regional, and policy levels. Integrated plant protection strategies combining non-chemical and chemical solutions, including preventive agronomic practices, biological control, and targeted pesticide use, will be developed and validated. Strong emphasis will be placed on foresight activities, long-term resistance monitoring, and a multi-actor approach to co-create practical tools and recommendations that support sustainable pesticide use, biodiversity protection, and the long-term resilience of European agricultural systems.