Murcian producers develop a Bio-network for pest monitoring and prediction

This pioneering agricultural sustainability initiative in Europe is being implemented on over 4,000 acres (1,619 hectares) of lettuce, brassicas (including broccoli, cauliflower, and other cabbage varieties), and celery crops in the Campo de Cartagena region of Murcia, Spain. It aims to improve the efficiency of phytosanitary treatments in farming and to boost biodiversity in the area.

It involves deploying a network of more than 170 advanced insect-trapping devices from @Trapview, which use Artificial Intelligence technology to provide real-time monitoring of pest development stages and forecast the progression of three caterpillar species: Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera littoralis, and Spodoptera exigua.

© Proexport

The Bio-network for pest monitoring and prediction results from close collaboration among companies, including Agromark, Bonduelle, Cota 120, Florette, Fruca, G's España, Gregal, Jimbo Fresh, La Huerta de San Isidro, and Behr Iberia, most of which are linked to Proexport. "These leading companies are dedicated to innovating and implementing advanced pest control techniques based on strategic decisions, helping to promote more precise, targeted, and sustainable phytosanitary treatments," stated María Dolores Molina, Proexport's sustainability director.

The project "Innovative agricultural practices to contribute to environmental and biodiversity improvement in the Mar Menor" (NewAgroMarMenor) is supported by the Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, through the grant program for environmental restoration and improvement in the agricultural sector, aimed at aiding the recovery of the ecological functionality of the Mar Menor.

Proexport will showcase its many benefits to visitors from around the world attending the Fruit Attraction 2025 fair, held from September 30 to October 2, 2025, at IFEMA Madrid. NewAgroMarMenor will be at the Proexport stand (7D09, Hall 7) and Trapview (5A12B, Hall 5).

The project is supported by the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) and the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers-Exporters of the Region of Murcia (Proexport) to enhance agronomic practices that promote integrated, sustainable, and environmentally friendly agriculture.