SWEET - Optimisation des stratégies de biocontrôle par la stimulation de l’immunité des plantes avec des applications d’infra-doses de sucres simples..

A biocontrol method based on exogenous foliar applications of sugar infra-doses (fructose, sucrose, glucose) has been developed to strengthen plant immunity against certain herbivores and pathogens. The SWEET project has made progress on this innovative subject of biocontrol, both on the acquisition of new agronomic references in the field and on the mechanisms induced in the plant. In vitro applications of sugars are well perceived in apple and vine models. The effects are multiple: on defense genes, metabolism genes, volatile compounds, epiphytic bacterial communities. The results obtained in natural conditions indicated that the protective effect observed is partial and showed variations over time. Technical data sheets that can be distributed to the agricultural profession have been drawn up to recommend the use of sugars. From a regulatory point of view, the two sugars of interest, fructose and sucrose, have been approved as a basic substance in 2014 and 2015, and can be used in organic farming. In addition, requests to extend the use of these two sugars to other targets tested in the project were approved by the European Commission in July 2020.