Using Adjuvants
Presentation
Characterization of the technique
Description of the technique :
| Julien Halska | INRA | julien.halska(at)grignon.inra.fr | Epoisses (21) |
| Rémy Ballot | INRA | remy.ballot(at)grignon.inra.fr | Grignon (78) |
An adjuvant is a substance without phytopharmaceutical effect that is associated with phytosanitary active substances to improve their properties. It can be associated by the manufacturer during formulation or added by the user during the preparation of the spray mixture. We distinguish (1) oils of vegetable or mineral origin, which maximize the contact surface between the product and the target and promote its penetration, (2) wetting agents which also act on the contact surface by promoting spreading, and (3) salts which prolong the product/target contact by slowing the drying of droplets. Some adjuvants help limit drift and thus the risk of transfer to water and air. However, the benefit of these products seems low compared to their cost. It is preferable to use drift-reducing nozzles.
Implementation period On established crop
Spatial scale of implementation Plot
Application of the technique to...
All crops : Easily generalizable
All soil types : Easily generalizable
All climatic contexts : Easily generalizable
Warning: while the use of adjuvants can in some cases maximize treatment efficacy, it does not exempt from performing treatments under good climatic conditions.
Regulation
The addition of an adjuvant authorized for "fungicide spray mixture" use and not presenting any hazard statement for the environment or health, at the time of preparing the spray mixture intended to be applied on crops of wheat, is subject to a CEPP sheet (action n°18 : Reduce fungicide consumption targeting wheat leaf diseases by means of an adjuvant).
Effects on the sustainability of the cropping system
Environmental criteria
Effect on air quality : Increasing
phytosanitary emissions : DECREASE
Effect on water quality : Increasing
pesticides : DECREASE
Other : No effect (neutral)
The use of adjuvants can, in some cases, allow reducing doses of fungicides, herbicides, insecticides or regulators with equivalent efficacy. It can also limit drift.
Agronomic criteria
Productivity : Variable
The use of adjuvants, when technically relevant, can either improve treatment efficacy at equivalent dose and thus help overcome yield-limiting factors, or allow equivalent efficacy on yield-limiting factors (pests or lodging) at reduced dose.
Soil fertility : No effect (neutral)
Water stress : No effect (neutral)
Functional Biodiversity : No knowledge on impact
A positive effect of dose reduction on biodiversity can be assumed.
Economic criteria
Operating costs : Variable
The effect of using adjuvants on operating costs depends on (1) the price ratio between adjuvant and phytosanitary product and (2) the possible dose reduction. If the adjuvant is used to achieve better efficacy at equivalent dose, the impact on costs is neutral (negligible adjuvant cost). Similarly, the impact will be neutral if the adjuvant allows dose reduction of a product not more expensive than the adjuvant itself (regulator...).
Machinery costs : No effect (neutral)
Margin : Increasing
The use of adjuvants allows a noticeable improvement in profitability, either by increasing yield at equivalent costs, or by reducing costs at equivalent yield.
Social criteria
Working time : No effect (neutral)
Effect on farmer health : No effect (neutral)
For more information
- Foliar grass weed herbicides. Adjuvants compensate for efficacy drift
- -Bonin L., Gautellier-Vizioz L. (Arvalis)
Agricultural Perspectives no. 386, p46-49, Press article, 2012
- Produce more and better : 44 concrete solutions to reduce the impact of phytosanitary products - Ouest Edition
- -ARVALIS - Plant Institute
Book, 2011
- A very specific action of adjuvants
- -Bonin L., Gautellier-Vizioz L. (Arvalis)
Website, 2017
Keywords
Bioaggressor control method : Chemical control
Mode of action : Catch-up
Type of strategy regarding pesticide use : Efficiency
Appendices
S'applique aux cultures suivantes
