You’re running an agribusiness. How do you know which crop protection products are right for you?

Crop protection products are essential for any agribusiness that wants to prevent or control pests, diseases, and weeds that can damage crops and reduce yields. However, choosing the right products can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, such as crop type, pest pressure, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. In this article, you will learn some tips and best practices to help you make informed decisions about which crop protection products are right for you.

1 Know your crops and pests

The first step to choosing the right crop protection products is to know your crops and the pests that affect them. Different crops have different susceptibilities and tolerances to various pests, and different pests have different life cycles and behaviors. You need to identify the crops you grow, the pests you face, and the damage they cause. You can use tools such as pest identification guides, crop scouting, and pest monitoring to help you with this task.

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Mehmood Yousaf

Operations Manager at Valley Irrigation Pakistan (Pvt.Ltd) || Managing the maintenance and repair of Irrigation System || Collaborating with other departments to develop & implement strategies
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Conduct a thorough assessment of your crops, considering pest threats and environmental factors. Consult with agronomists and use data-driven insights to select crop protection products tailored to your specific agribusiness needs.

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Marcela Munoz

Independent Consultant Turf & Agribusiness
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Mandar muestras a laboratorio y llevar registros de historicos es importante. Tambien entender el ambiente vs ciclo del patogeno o plaga

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2 Choose the right product type and mode of action

The next step is to choose the type and mode of action of the crop protection products you need. There are different types of products, such as insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and biopesticides, that target different types of pests. There are also different modes of action, such as contact, systemic, or translocation, that affect how the products work and how they are applied. You need to choose the products that match the type and mode of action of the pests you want to control, and that are compatible with your crops and your application methods.

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Tulisha Malichi

Research Intern - Cornell University | 2024 Moonshot Young Leader| Next Generation Agriculture Impact Network Ambassador @ NGIN |Agricultural Sciences Student.
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This is very important to ensure that resistance is not generated in the the pest and disease you are trying to control. Resistance is when the pests and diseases no longer get controlled by a particular chemical product because the population has developed resistance, that is few individuals have developed characteristics that prevent them from being controlled. These reproduce and lead to a population that is resistant. This can be avoided by rotating chemical products in each production cycle.

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Marcela Munoz

Independent Consultant Turf & Agribusiness
(edited)
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Primero debes ver que esta registrado y es legal ocupar en tu localidad. Los productos fitosanitarios tienen limitaciones de uso dependiendo de donde te encuentras. Dependiendo de lo que este disponible, entender el modo de accion, la seguridad de uso en tu cultivo (para el Operador y medio ambiente), la etapa en la que se encuentra la enfermedad o plaga, la eficacia y costo-beneficio. Si se considera que puede haber riesgo de resistencia , cambiar NO solo de producto sino de familia de modo de accion y completar las aplicaciones y dosis segun etiqueta. Consultar con un agronomo o tecnico calificado seria lo adecuado

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3 Consider the product efficacy and cost

The third step is to consider the efficacy and cost of the crop protection products you choose. Efficacy refers to how well the products control the pests and protect the crops. Cost refers to how much the products cost per unit of area or per unit of yield. You need to compare the efficacy and cost of different products, and weigh them against the potential losses from pest damage and the expected returns from crop production. You also need to consider the product availability, shelf life, and storage requirements.

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Marcela Munoz

Independent Consultant Turf & Agribusiness
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Eficacia y eficiencia. Considerando la seguridad y bienestar no solo del cultivo pero tambien del medio ambiente, operarios y cliente final Es necesario aplicar? Como puedo prevenir o es mitigable?

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4 Follow the product label and regulations

The fourth step is to follow the product label and the regulations that apply to the crop protection products you use. The product label contains important information such as the active ingredients, the application rates, the pre-harvest intervals, the re-entry intervals, the safety precautions, and the disposal instructions. You need to read and follow the label carefully to ensure the proper use and handling of the products. You also need to comply with the regulations that govern the registration, distribution, and use of the products in your area, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US or the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in Canada.

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Marcela Munoz

Independent Consultant Turf & Agribusiness
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Muchas veces no se mira esta parte con seriedad, el proceso de generación de la etiqueta toman muchos años, tiempo y recursos….y esta ahi para leersela antes de aplicar. Si la etiqueta es dudosa lo sera el producto tambuen Seguir las instrucciones es fundamental para una aplicacion responsable, eficaz y eficiente.

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5 Evaluate the product performance and impact

The fifth step is to evaluate the performance and impact of the crop protection products you use. Performance refers to how well the products achieve your pest management goals and improve your crop quality and quantity. Impact refers to how the products affect your environment, your health, and your profitability. You need to monitor and measure the performance and impact of the products, and use the data to adjust your pest management strategies and practices. You also need to report any adverse effects or incidents that may occur from the products.

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6 Keep up with the latest trends and innovations

The sixth and final step is to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in crop protection products and pest management. The field of crop protection is constantly evolving, with new products, technologies, and techniques being developed and introduced. You need to stay informed and updated on the latest research, news, and developments in the industry, and learn from the experiences and best practices of other agribusinesses. You also need to be open and adaptable to change, and willing to try new and improved products and methods that can help you protect your crops better.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re running an agribusiness. How do you know which crop protection products are right for you?

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1 Know your crops and pests

2 Choose the right product type and mode of action

3 Consider the product efficacy and cost

4 Follow the product label and regulations

5 Evaluate the product performance and impact

6 Keep up with the latest trends and innovations

7 Here’s what else to consider

Agribusiness

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