Publication highlights the role of pesticide application technology for safe use in the field.

The technology used to apply pesticides directly impacts the efficiency and safety of food production. Therefore, Embrapa Soja (PR) and the State University of the Midwest (Unicentro) have developed guidelines to mitigate problems and difficulties encountered in field conditions. This information is included in the publication "Pesticide Application Technology," which will be launched during the Show Rural Coopavel.

Pest, disease, and weed control begins with diagnosing the problem, defining the most suitable product, and applying pesticides. "The use of pesticides requires equipment in perfect working order, proper calibration, information on weather conditions, and technical and scientific knowledge to ensure the target is reached without jeopardizing human and environmental safety," explains Embrapa Soja researcher Dionísio Gazziero.

Launch

The publication will be launched at the Show Rural Coopavel, held from February 9th to 13th in Cascavel (PR), at the Embrapa Technology Showcase. The authors of the publication are: Cleber Maciel, Dionísio Gazziero, Rafael Theisen, Luiz Gustavo Bridi, and Fernando Adegas.

In its 38th edition this year, the event brings together more than 600 national and international exhibitors in an area of ​​720 m², focusing on technological innovation and sustainability.

Gazziero says that for pesticides to perform their function efficiently and safely, it is necessary to choose the correct product and respect technical and environmental processes. "From the moment the spray solution leaves the sprayer until it reaches the target, it is necessary to follow technical guidelines to avoid losses, contamination, and unwanted impacts," he adds.

According to the authors, ground or aerial application of pesticides remains the fastest and most effective method of phytosanitary control. Even so, experts warn that the success of these operations depends directly on the quality of the equipment, correct adjustment, operator training, choice of spray nozzles, and, above all, respect for environmental conditions. "When the process is not well conducted, the active ingredient may not reach the target, favoring drift, evaporation, and contamination of neighboring crops, water resources, and even the applicator himself," emphasizes Professor Cleber Maciel from Unicentro.

According to researchers in the field, application technology combines scientific and technical knowledge focused on the correct deposition of the product on the biological target, in the necessary quantity, at the lowest possible cost, and with minimal environmental impact. This technology considers factors such as the type of product used, the target to be controlled, the application equipment, and the weather conditions at the time of application.

Among the factors that most influence application efficiency are climatic conditions, the authors emphasize. Winds above the recommended level, low air humidity, and high temperatures significantly increase the risk of losses due to drift and evaporation. "Studies indicate that the best conditions for application occur with winds between 3,2 and 6,5 km/h, a minimum relative humidity of 55%, and temperatures below 30 °C," notes Maciel.

According to Gazziero, droplet size also plays a central role in this process. Very fine droplets favor target coverage but are more susceptible to drift. Larger droplets, on the other hand, reduce the risk of environmental contamination and are indicated for auxin-mimicking herbicides (synthetic compounds that mimic the plant hormone auxin, causing disordered and chaotic plant growth). “Cases of phytotoxicity in crops sensitive to the product have led regulatory bodies and manufacturers to recommend, and in some cases require, the use of coarse or extremely coarse droplets, in addition to the rigorous adoption of good agricultural practices. The correct choice of spray nozzles and working pressure is also considered strategic,” adds the researcher.

Machine adjustment and calibration

According to the authors of the publication, another critical point is the adjustment and calibration of sprayers. Gazziero states that field inspections show that a large portion of the equipment operates with some type of problem, compromising both the effectiveness of the control and environmental safety. "Correct calibration ensures that the volume of spray applied corresponds to what was planned, considering speed, pressure, nozzle spacing, and boom height," he assesses.

Problems such as leaks, clogged filters, worn nozzles, and excessive flow variations are more common than you might think and can drastically reduce application quality. "Equipment maintenance, respect for environmental conditions during application, and operator and technician training are identified as important bottlenecks in the sector," Maciel points out.

Tank mixing

It is worth highlighting that mixing different phytosanitary products – herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and foliar fertilizers – in the same tank is widely adopted in Brazil, mainly to optimize time and operational costs. Despite its functionality, tank mixing requires rigorous care. “Physical and chemical incompatibilities can compromise the effectiveness of the products, cause nozzle clogging, form foam, and even increase phytotoxicity in crops. Therefore, following the technical information on how to proceed in cases of mixing is fundamental,” says the professor.

The authors further state that the success of phytosanitary management depends not only on the product, but also on how it is applied. "Therefore, following technical criteria, respecting environmental conditions, and investing in training are fundamental measures to guarantee productivity in the field, with safety for the applicator, the consumer, and the environment," concludes Gazziero.