EU Bodies and Agencies (EUBA) – Research to reduce entomological knowledge gaps for plant health risk assessment – 2025

Objective:

To conduct research to fill up knowledge gaps on invasive insects and insect vectors of invasive plant pathogens, which were identified during EFSA risk assessment work.

Priorities:

• Priority 1: To understand the role of insect vectors and putative vectors in the spread of the quarantine plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in table grape vineyards during outbreaks in the EU, in order to support risk assessment and control of Xylella fastidiosa epidemics in table grapes
• Priority 2: To understand the thermal ecology and biology of the different life stages of the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in East Africa, to reduce key risk assessment uncertainties on this pest
• Priority 3: To enhance knowledge on the taxonomy and biology of the shoot and fruit borers African Leucinodes species (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sub-Saharan Africa, to reduce key risk assessment uncertainties on this group of moths affecting solanaceous crops in Africa

Among financed actions:

• Experiments
• Collection of data/ observations
• Dissemination actions

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be on the list of competent organisations designated by the Member States in accordance with Article 36 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 2230/2004 (Click here)
• A consortium composed of at least 1 entities, established in at least 1 different EU Member States or associated countries to the programme must be constituted

Additional information:

• Initial duration of the action: Between 24 and 48 months
• Contact: servicedesk@efsa.europa.eu

Useful:

• Guidelines: Click here
• Other call documents: Click here
• Website of the European Food Safety authority: Click here
• More information: Click here

• Total budget of the call: 700.000 euros
• Budget per topic:
  • Ecology of insect vectors of Xylella fastidiosa in EU table grapes outbreaks (EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-01-Lot1): 350.000 euros
  • Thermal ecology and biology of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (false codling moth) in East Africa (EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-02-Lot2): 250.000 euros
  • Taxonomy and biology of Leucinodes species (grass moths) from Africa (EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-03-Lot3): 100.000 euros
• Amount of the grant: between 100.000 and 350.000 euros