Improving resilience to the spread of plant diseases via a regional Pest Common Data Space
PestSpace
Finnish PestSpace Locations in Inkoo, Southern Finland
29 September 2025
How do pests and diseases affect crops across Europe? The PestSpace project is tackling this question by running experimental fields in several countries, studying crops under different environmental conditions. One of these sites is in Inkoo, southern Finland, where ten faba bean varieties are grown.
In the photos, postdoctoral researcher Niko Johansson and research assistant Monica Alt are collecting plant samples: leaves for DNA analysis, documenting disease symptoms using AI-based tools, and monitoring infection severity.
Later in the season, faba beans are often affected by rust fungi, which cover the plants with a characteristic rust-colored coating. By studying such pathogens, PestSpace develops early warning systems and accurate disease identification tools, helping farmers manage crop health more effectively.
These efforts contribute to reducing crop losses and strengthening food security
See how our research works in practice at the Inkoo site.
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Homepage
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Project typeCore Project
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ImplementationMarch 2025 - February 2028
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StatusOngoing
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Contribution to EUSBSRPolicy Area Bioeconomy
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Target groups
- Business support organisation
- Higher education and research institution
- National public authority
- Sectoral agency
- Small and medium enterprise
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