This article describes the international capacity-building efforts of LAQV-REQUIMTE and the University of Porto within the European project BIOMEHEALTH, focused on improving the early detection and sustainable control of fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and brown spot (stemphyliosis, Stemphylium vesicarium) in pear orchards. These diseases, together with climate change and restrictions on chemical control, have caused significant yield losses in Portugal’s predominantly ‘Rocha’ pear production.

The project brings together partners from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Italy to develop rapid diagnostic tools (LAMP, TaqMan-PCR, NGS, aerobiome monitoring), characterize plant- and soil-associated microbiomes, and identify beneficial microbial antagonists for biological control. Advanced data analysis and deep learning are employed to refine disease prediction models. Additionally, the consortium explores novel biocontrol strategies, including synthetic microbial communities adapted to different climatic scenarios.

Overall, the initiative aims to establish a center of excellence for plant disease detection and management, fostering sustainable pear production and reducing reliance on conventional phytochemicals.