Rovensa Next Biocontrol R&D: pioneering innovation in Palmela facility, Portugal

Rovensa Next Biocontrol R&D facilities are strategically located worldwide, driving innovation in agricultural biocontrol and adjuvants research. Recognizing growers' concerns about efficacy, cost, knowledge, regulation, availability, environmental impact, and integration, Rovensa Next spotlights its Innovation Site in Palmela, Portugal. As an Excellence Center, it supports the industry in developing new biosolutions.

Expanding the commitment to agriculture innovation

Recently, Rovensa Next significantly strengthened its commitment to innovation with continued investments to grow its Palmela facility. This expansion includes a new area dedicated to biologicals research and a new building to host the entomology research unit and pilot plant areas. These additions will facilitate and accelerate the development of novel, green-delivery systems for biocontrol solutions. 

The new investment complements Rovensa Next's existing R&D facility, which includes state-of-the-art laboratories, offices, and a greenhouse area featuring an advanced phenotyping system. 

Analytical facilities: The backbone of R&D

Rovensa Next's Analytical Services labs are crucial in developing new agricultural inputs. Equipped with robust Liquid Chromatography (LC), Gas Chromatography (GC), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) systems, these labs provide reliable data on storage stability, physico-chemical properties, and product identity playing a vital role in regulatory compliance and offering insights for efficient R&D. 

Biological facilities: leading the way in biocontrol research

The Biocontrol Research Unit in Palmela focuses on developing high-efficiency, safe biocontrol agents, including fungi, bacteria, and algae. Rovensa Next's research encompasses: 

• Screening of bacteria, fungi, and algae metabolites for insect and weed control. 

• Scaling up production processes in fermentation reactors. 

• Finalizing product formulation technologies. 

• Validating biocontrol agents at laboratory, greenhouse, and field trial scales through Rovensa Next's Technology Validation and Crop Scouting teams.

Current research projects

Bioherbicide research

Rovensa Next is actively screening plant pathogenic fungi (mycoherbicides) and algae for their potential to control weeds. Both the biomass and its metabolites are being evaluated as effective bioherbicides. The team of experts in Biocontrol is assessing efficacy against more than ten economically significant weeds and conducting safety tests. 

Bacterial biocontrol agents

Rovensa Next's research includes developing specific proteins from selected Bacillus strains to control soil-borne diseases. Rovensa Next is working on low-cost media and production processes at pre-pilot scale and studying product formulations for extended shelf life. Additionally, Rovensa Next is developing bacterial strain prototypes to control fall armyworm and nematodes (root-knot and cyst nematode). 

Plant-derived botanical extracts 

Rovensa Next, a pioneer in Orange Oil-based products, is expanding its research into plant-derived botanical extracts that promise safe and effective alternatives for growers. For all above, Rovensa Next's R&D team of experts collaborates with renowned research institutes to develop advanced technological solutions, such as Spray-Induced Gene Silencing, targeting recalcitrant plant diseases like Phytophthora and Fusarium.

Entomology unit: expanding research capabilities 

With the expansion of Rovensa Next's Palmela facility, the entomology team now maintains an Entomology Lab Insectary with various insect and mite species. On the other hand, Rovensa Next team of R&D experts in biocontrol is currently assessing a new portfolio of insecticides based on plant-botanical extracts, targeting thrips and mites to solve growers’ main current challenges. In addition, research at the entomology unit in Palmela is shared with Rovensa Next's entomology facility in Cape Town, South Africa, where four other insect species are housed, thus ensuring extensive improvement of ongoing projects. 

Advanced phenotyping Unit for in-depth knowledge 

But this doesn’t end here, the 325 m² greenhouse in Palmela houses a state-of-the-art phenotyping system with highly specialized sensors. These sensors allow for non-destructive analysis of plant properties, facilitating accelerated semi-field testing and providing in-depth knowledge on R&D products. Current priority projects include studying a new fungal-based phytohormone and rhizosphere-colonizing microbes, which impact plants’ natural defence mechanisms. 

Collaborative efforts: partners at EU-Horizon funded project SAGROPIA  

Rovensa Next is a proud participant in the SAGROPIA project, a collaborative EU-HORIZON funded initiative aimed at the innovation of sustainable crop protection strategies. This prestigious consortium includes universities, technology centers, industry partners, and growers’ associations. The project’s goal is to reduce chemical pesticide use by 50% and replace specific pesticides in potato and sugar beet cultivation with biocontrol methods targeting nematodes, fungi, and insects. 

Rovensa Next's contributions include biosolutions such as the orange oil-based technology of Rovensa Next and new developments such as a biological nematicide, an insecticide based on plant-botanical extracts, and a new salt with excellent fungicidal properties. These solutions are integrated into IPM strategies, with products from industry partners, to control target pests and diseases in potato and sugar beet, supporting farmers with effective, sustainable pest management tools.  

The commitment of Rovensa Next to sustainability and efficiency ensures it continues to develop cutting-edge solutions for the agricultural industry. Stay tuned for more updates on Rovensa Next's groundbreaking research and developments! 

6th Biopesticides, Biostimulants and Biofertilizers Summit (BioEx 2025) BioEx 2025 is now in preparation, and you are welcome to consult and collaborate with us!  Submit speech abstract  |  Become a sponsor  |  Become an exhibitor  |    Previous BioEx   Contact: Christina Xie Email: christina@agropages.com Mobile (WeChat/WhatsApp): +86 18806513367