The main objective of this project was to carry out a systematic review of the biological and ecological properties of 36 bacterial and fungal micro-organisms species that are typically used in plant protection. The study was a key building block of the EU policy aiming to enable the shift towards lower-risk pesticides used by farmers by facilitating the approval and authorisation of micro-organisms used in plant protection products in line with the newly adopted EU data requirements. In the long run, the results of the study are expected to contribute to more sustainable protection of crops.
The study produced a comprehensive set of information that identifies biological and ecological features commonly shared by micro-organisms at the species level and, where applicable, listed properties that vary amongst the strains. The study combined a systematic literature review with targeted analyses, using the specific AI-enhanced systematic review methodology developed by PPMI in line with EFSA Guidance Document “Application of systematic review methodology to food and feed safety assessments to support decision making”. Based on a comprehensive literature review framework and the review protocol established in line with the list of pre-defined features, the study team carried out a comprehensive review of the available information from relevant sources, including peer reviewed literature, EFSA/ECHA/EMA conclusions on risk assessments, and other relevant sources of information. The information available on biological and ecological properties of the relevant micro-organisms were summarised for each micro-organism in a dedicated overview document listing properties which are conserved at the species level and properties which vary amongst the strains within a given species. The study went beyond the scope of this assignment and developed a methodological template for future reviews, equipping regulators and other relevant stakeholders with the evidence base for risk assessments and applications for the use relevant micro-organisms.