Release increases spray coverage on the leaf surface

With the aim of improving the performance of applications carried out by producers, minimizing drift and increasing the percentage of syrup coverage on the leaf surface, Agrotechnica Soluções Agrícolas developed Virlom+. This new product is a high-tech solution that is part of the Aplique Mais program, composed of a blend of surfactants and specific additives, capable of altering the reaction of the syrup, increasing the droplet's ability to resist external forces such as wind, for example. example. Furthermore, it standardizes their distribution spectrum. “The result is a more robust and safe application, ensuring the best use of agricultural pesticides, a fundamental requirement for the correct management of pests and diseases”, highlights Renan Oliveira Yoshida, responsible for the company's research and development areas.

Numerous applications containing Virlom+ technology show that it is possible to increase the coverage of the spray solution on the leaf surface by up to 700%, mainly in the lower layers of the plant (lower layers). The anti-drift effect, in addition to practical evidence in the field, was measured through tests in research institutions, in a wind tunnel. “We saw a reduction of up to 80% in drift, in a standard application of 2,4-D + Glyphosate, using the commercial dosage of the adjuvant”, explains Yoshida.

Another property verified with the use of Virlom+ is the longer retention time of the active ingredient on the leaf surface, a desired characteristic both for pesticides with contact action and also for those with systemic action, which require the active ingredient to remain on the leaf long enough for tissue penetration is effective. Finally, there is also greater protection of assets from adverse weather conditions such as rain after application, mainly favoring the action of contact pesticides.

Solution to an old problem

The inadequate application of pesticides is currently one of the main problems faced by producers, causing losses not only due to the results obtained, but also due to the increase in production costs. The development of Application Technology as an applied science has helped professionals involved in decisions related to best practices for the use of both herbicides, fungicides and insecticides on crops. However, as the company's professional points out, “there is still a long way to go, with room for the emergence of new methodologies, equipment and products that can provide gains to the farmer”.

Among the main problems faced by producers, drift and low coverage of applications deserve to be highlighted, as they directly affect phytosanitary control in a negative way, causing losses that can reach up to 40% of the crop's productive potential. Furthermore, underdosing can create an environment conducive to the resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to currently used pesticides, generating incalculable losses for agriculture.

Product positioning

Virlom+ can be positioned both in herbicide applications, where the focus is to minimize drift and consequently potential damage caused to neighboring areas, and in fungicide and insecticide applications where, in addition to drift, greater application uniformity and increased coverage are desired. , especially in the more advanced vegetative stages, where there is normally a low rate of droplet penetration into the basin.

Other characteristics of the product are the low reactivity of the formulation components and the non-interference in the pH of the mixture, which guarantee compatibility with most agricultural pesticides and foliar fertilizers found on the market. However, prior product compatibility testing is always recommended in a small volume of syrup, before final formulation.