Tips
The use of plant protection products is an integral part of modern agriculture and horticulture. It allows for the protection of crops against pests, diseases, and weeds, which translates into higher yields and better product quality. However, to ensure that the use of these products is effective and safe, several important rules must be followed.
1. Choosing the Right Product
The use of plant protection products is an integral part of modern agriculture and horticulture. It allows for the protection of crops against pests, diseases, and weeds, which translates into higher yields and better product quality. However, to ensure that the use of these products is effective and safe, several important rules must be followed.
- Identifying the Problem: Before choosing a plant protection product, it is essential to accurately identify the problem you are dealing with. Are they pests, diseases, or weeds? Knowing your enemy is the first step to effective control.
- Type of Crop: When choosing a product, consider the type of crop you want to protect. Not all products are suitable for all plants.
- Composition and Action: Familiarize yourself with the composition and action of the product. Make sure it is effective against the specific problem and safe for the crop and the environment.
- Label: Always read the label of the plant protection product. You will find information on dosage, method of application, pre-harvest interval, and other important aspects.
2. Safety of Use
- Protective Clothing: When using plant protection products, always wear appropriate protective clothing, such as gloves, a mask, and goggles.
- Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage. Too low a dose may be ineffective, while too high a dose can harm the crop and the environment.
- Application Technique: Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure that the spray is even and reaches all parts of the plants.
- Weather Conditions: Avoid using plant protection products during strong winds, rain, or heat.
- Pre-Harvest Interval: Adhere to the pre-harvest interval, which is the time that must pass from the application of the product to the harvesting of crops.
3. Environmental Protection
- Selective Use: Choose products that act selectively, meaning they target only specific pests or diseases without harming beneficial organisms.
- Avoiding Pollution: Strive to avoid contaminating the soil and water with plant protection products. Do not pour leftover product down the drain or onto the ground.
- Recycling Packaging:Return empty packaging from plant protection products for recycling.
4. Alternative Plant Protection Methods
- Biological Methods: Whenever possible, use biological methods such as predatory insects, nematodes, or microbiological preparations.
- Companion Planting: Plant together species that mutually protect each other from pests and diseases.
- Resistant Varieties: Choose plant varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests.
Using plant protection products is an important tool in agricultural and horticultural production. However, to be effective and safe, several important rules must be followed. Remember to identify the problem, choose the right product, ensure safety of use, protect the environment, and consider alternative plant protection methods.
The most popular plant protection products are substances that help protect plants from pests, diseases, and weeds. Here are some common types of plant protection products:- Insecticides combat insects such as aphids, spider mites, and potato beetles.
- Fungicides target fungal diseases like powdery mildew, downy mildew, and gray mold.
- Herbicides control weeds that compete with crops for water and nutrients.
- Acaricides target mites, such as spider mites and strawberry mites.
- Nematicides combat nematodes that can damage plant roots.
Popular plant protection products contain various active substances, such as:
- Chemical substances, e.g., permethrin, deltamethrin, azoxystrobin, tebuconazole.
- Biological substances, e.g., bacteria, fungi, viruses that combat pests and diseases.
- Natural substances, e.g., essential oils, plant extracts that act as repellents or limit the development of pests and diseases
