Karine Panchaud awarded the Mérite agricole
Biologist and co-founder of the VEGETECH company, Karine Panchaud was honored with the Mérite agricole medal for her contributions to the field.
With her husband, a landscape gardener, she launched the company in 2001 in Toulon, combining her skills as a biologist with her experience as a former high-level handball athlete. Her adventure began in 2002 with the discovery of the moth affecting palm trees in the Hyères region, which led her to specialize in research on plant pests.
FIGHT AGAINST THE PALM MOTH
In 2004, the couple moved to La Crau and in 2009, they built a research laboratory in Martins thanks to the support of local authorities. From 2009, Karine worked on the red palm weevil in the company's approved laboratory. As an independent researcher, she developed two biocontrol products to fight against the palm moth and the red palm weevil. Her work attracted the attention of fig producers of the AOP Figues de Solliès, who were facing a similar problem with a Chinese weevil currently under study. Aware of the lack of communication between researchers and local authorities, she initiated an annual technical day, bringing together researchers and technicians to share knowledge about new pests. Furthermore, the biologist highlighted the importance of fungi in biological control. By studying the interactions between insects and fungi, she improved the use of strains capable of naturally regulating pest insect populations. Her innovative approach allowed the development of effective treatments, with a 95% success rate against the red palm weevil.
SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
Today, her expertise is shared through scientific publications and conferences, aiming to raise awareness among the general public and agricultural professionals. This researcher has also patented a revolutionary machine capable of treating palm trees up to 18 meters high from the ground. In 2017, the company received an Agrow Award (César de l’Agriculture) for its work on the use of drones. Despite challenges, notably the State's disengagement from funding research projects and the growing pressure of pests, she continues to work for the preservation of biodiversity and innovation in the agricultural sector. Her commitment and passion for research make her a key figure in biocontrol in France.
VEGETECH 33
Chemin de la Source - La Crau
06 61 16 24 88
www.vegeteh-jardins.com infos@vegetech-jardins.com
Laurette PARAY - Photo by Philippe OLIVIER.