The adoption of the use of adjuvants by Brazilian producers and several other countries has increased steadily in recent years. The growth is attributed to factors such as the need for efficient agricultural practices, greater crop protection and the rise of precision agriculture at home and abroad. Therefore, we can say that the market for this type of solutions has a lot of potential.
In the same vein, producers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of adjuvants in reducing spray drift, which is currently a challenge for the sector and professionals. The emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices also plays a relevant role, aligning with trends in other countries. That said, the use of these technologies is expected to continue to increase, as the producing class seeks to optimize their operations and phytosanitary management.
I now list some general trends and factors that could influence this scenario:
• Increased awareness: Farmers are increasingly aware of the benefits of these products in improving the effectiveness of pesticides.
• Growth of the agricultural industry: Brazil has an important and rapidly expanding agricultural industry, focusing on crops such as soybeans, sugar cane, corn, cotton and coffee. As the sector advances, farmers are adopting technologies and new management practices, including the use of adjuvants.
• Industry education and extension services: Educational programs and extension services provided by agricultural agencies, universities and companies play a crucial role in promoting the benefits of adjuvants. Farmers who are well-informed about the advantages of these products may be more willing to use them.
• Demonstrated effectiveness: As more research and field trials demonstrate the positive effects of adjuvants on crop yield and pest control, farmers will likely be more inclined to adopt these products.
• Economic considerations: economic factors, such as the cost-effectiveness of using adjuvants in terms of increasing yields and efficiency in the application of plant protection products.
• Environmental concerns: the growing awareness about environmental sustainability and the impact of the traditional use of pesticides contributes to the search for alternative methods, and adjuvants can be part of an integrated approach to pest management.
We have some factors that influence the adjuvants market. For example, the introduction and development of technologies in Brazil aligns with the demand for improved agricultural varieties. I also point out the greater emphasis on crop yields, mainly due to the need for food.
Advances towards the development of new adjuvants with advanced formulations and characteristics focusing on the problems that producers face in crop management also contribute to the democratization of these technologies.
Furthermore, it is worth highlighting that if farmers see a positive return on investment through increased yields, this will also certainly have an impact on whether or not to adopt adjuvants.
It is very important to remember the challenges generated by changes in patterns and the growing prevalence of extreme weather phenomena. These solutions can help address specific scenarios, such as improving spray coverage in adverse weather conditions.
There is a lot to look forward to in the coming years. The first trend is toward more specialized formulations for specific types of pesticide applications (e.g., foliar sprays, seed treatments, or soil applications). The focus on sustainability is expected to grow, and researchers are exploring sustainable green adjuvants.
In this context, there is still a strong search for improved compatibility with biological products, especially with the expansion of this market. Adjuvants formulated to support the effectiveness of bio-based pest control methods are increasingly being designed.
Environmentally friendly formulations that minimize drift, volatilization and runoff must also grow, in line with global efforts towards sustainable agriculture. With this in mind, there may be a shift towards the development of biodegradable adjuvants, contributing to the reduction of environmental persistence and potential long-term impacts.
It is worth pointing out that advances in technology, such as unmanned agricultural aerial vehicles (UAVs) and new application techniques such as drones, are influencing the development of adjuvants. The integration of technology into these methods is improving operation characteristics and efficiency. In this sense, the union with precision agriculture technologies is also observed. Adjuvants can complement these methods.
Producer adoption of data analysis and machine learning in agriculture will also be a relevant point going forward. This can lead to the development of products based on information insights. For example, decision support tools can recommend specific adjuvants based on historical data, current conditions, and pest dynamics.
Last but not least, we will also see a global regulatory evolution for the administration of adjuvants. Remember, formulations that meet regulatory requirements for safety and environmental impact are likely to gain market preference.
By Daniel Petreli, technical and marketing coordinator Latam at DVA Agro
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