CucurbitaCARE
Biostimulant‑assisted, biopolymeric, fiber‑reinforced seed coatings for oil‑pumpkin enable circular agriculture. Using bio‑based matrices and natural fibers from agri‑residues, the coatings boost vigor and protect against fungal diseases while reducing synthetic fungicides. Designed for soil integration, they are robust during handling yet biodegrade on schedule (t90), releasing biostimulants and returning carbon and nutrients to the soil. This closed‑loop approach mirrors “Biopolymer Technologies for Agriculture”
Projektpartner
- Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH, Coordinator
- ALWERA AG
- "ARP" Aufbereitung, Recycling und Prüftechnik Gesellschaft m.b.H.
- IBiosSys, TU Graz
- UBT, TU Graz
- Saatzucht Gleisdorf Gesellschaft m.b.H.
Motivation and Goals
The Styrian oil pumpkin is severely threatened by climate change, soil erosion, and increasing pest pressure. Critically, the seed coat of oil pumpkin kernels (ÖKK) is not lignified and offers no natural protection against mechanical stress or pathogens such as fungi (e.g., Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Phytophthora, Didymella) and bacteria. Currently, seeds are protected with fungicidal dressings and synthetic polymers; at the same time, EU policies (European Green Deal, Farm to Fork, SUR, REACH, microplastics ban) are accelerating the phase‑out of such solutions. Available seed treatments rely on annual emergency authorizations. Consequences include rising costs, disposal burdens and short shelf life of treated seeds. The ÖKK cultivation area (2022–2023) fell by −21%, and production volume by −42%, posing clear risks to value creation, prices, and regional enterprises.
Expected results:
- Emergence rates of at least 85% in lab and field—on par with authorized seed treatments—while reducing chemical inputs.
- Extended shelf life of coated ÖKK seeds to at least three months at 25°C without significant loss of germination capacity.
- Substitution of fossil polymers along the value chain; savings of up to 99% in fossil feedstocks and up to 40% in greenhouse‑gas emissions (dry‑matter basis, compared with conventional seed treatments).
- Reduced energy and disposal costs by eliminating cold‑chain and hazardous‑substance logistics; improved operational safety for farmers and seed processors.
- Technology transfer to additional applications (e.g., maize seed, selected bio‑based coatings) and validation of economic relevance (seed market in Austria > €12.5 million/year).
Main Goals
CucurbitaCARE develops bio‑based seed coatings from regional circular resources that integrate biostimulants (beneficial microorganisms) and are mechanically robust. The goal is to effectively suppress damping‑off disease, promote germination, and extend seed shelf life—while reducing synthetic fungicides, fossil resources, and emissions. In parallel, applicability to other crops (e.g., maize) is assessed to unlock additional markets.
Objectives and Approach
The project combines three building blocks:
Biostimulants: Isolation, selection, and gentle encapsulation of beneficial bacterial strains from the natural pumpkin microbiome; combinations are tested for germination promotion and antagonism against fungal pathogens.
Biopolymer coatings derived from regional, renewable raw materials for the circular economy.
Engineering and validation: Construction of a compact rotary‑drum prototype for process optimization; laboratory and field trials to assess emergence rates (ÖKK and comparator crop maize, stored vs. fresh); sustainability assessment (screening LCA “light,” CO₂ balance, resource use); and tests for biodegradability and ecotoxicology (e.g., to ISO standards). Regulatory pathways are explored with external experts.
CucurbitaCARE strengthens the resilience of oil pumpkin cultivation, aligns with key EU policies, and makes a tangible contribution to the resource transition by replacing fossil feedstocks, lowering emissions, and upgrading regional residual biomass into high value agritech materials.
Funding Body
The project (project number: FO999934610) is funded by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) as part of the “Ressourcenwende 2025” call. The program is managed by the FFG.
