This work package comprises a network of experts from science and industry with long-lasting experience in production of commercially used bio-formulations for plant growth promotion and plant protection. As a main task, partners in WP01 will provide bio-effector products based on plant growth promoting microorganisms or active natural compounds, to be tested for beneficial effects on plant growth and fertiliser savings in the different fertilisation strategies addressed in WP04-WP08. The starting point is a selection of the currently best-characterized plant growth promoters under commercial use; they are able to promote root growth by interfering with plant-hormonal signalling, mobilise sparingly soluble nutrients fixed in soil particles and complex organic compounds and strengthen plant defence mechanisms against pathogens and abiotic stress factors.
Based on their performance under the test conditions investigated in WP04-WP06, the products will be further adapted and optimised by modifications e.g. of the formulation and application technology or of the biologically active ingredients. Important information required for product optimisation in WP01 is also provided by WP03 and WP02, investigating the functional mechanisms behind plant growth-promoting effects and interactions of product combinations. The final goal are bio-effector products, specifically adapted to the requirements of the different fertilisation systems investigated in WP04-WP07 with final field testing under the variable conditions in European agriculture performed in WP08.
