SIA Jifteco, in cooperation with the Forest Industry Competence Centre, within the research direction “Increasing forest capital value and forestry” of the agreement No. 5.1.1.2.i.0/1/22/A/CFLA/007 signed with CFLA, is implementing the research project P27 “Scaling up an environmentally friendly conifer seedling protection agent against damage caused by dendrophagous insects”.
During the first six months of project implementation, the following activities have been carried out or initiated:
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Activity – Production formulation, scaling of the production technology, and pilot production.
During this activity, the production process was modelled together with the specialists of the industrial cooperation partner under laboratory conditions. A pilot batch was produced using industrial equipment, resulting in conclusions and the preparation of a technological description of the production process. -
Activity – Application in the field using equipment employed in industrial production.
During this activity, a price survey was conducted and a contract for scientific services was concluded. In the next phase of the activity, the project design will be improved by applying the produced agent in two ways:
a) using a handheld sprayer before seedling lifting and storage in a freezer for observation purposes, and
b) using a field sprayer before transferring and planting the seedlings in a young stand. -
Activity – Durability tests of the industrially produced batch under different conditions.
Within this activity, durability tests of the repellent in real conditions have been initiated. At the same time, improvements to the formulation are being compiled and implemented, for example, reducing the pH level.
The project is planned for 12 months (01.08.2024–31.07.2025) and will consist of the core activities: production formulation, pilot-scale production, industrial application, durability tests, and technology formulation.
The total planned budget is EUR 129,800, including EUR 90,320.00 of co-financing from the European Union Recovery Fund.
