Regulatory Concerns with Pesticide Use in Turf

Because of the costs incurred in their development, it is unlikely that pesticides will be developed solely for use in amenity turf. This means that the basic set of data needed to answer regulatory concerns should already be available for the pesticide concerned. The basic controls involved in pesticide registration are described, with the EC being taken as an example. The paper describes the areas where, because of different concerns, more data may need to be generated in order to seek registration of use of a product on amenity turf. In most cases regulatory requirements can be met by reinterpreting the existing data, taking into account the use of pesticides on amenity turf. Other regulatory issues concerning the use of pesticides in amenity turf are discussed.     

Patch spraying: future role of electronics in limiting pesticide use

Developments relating to the control of application equipment can deliver improvements in pesticide use by better matching applications to target requirements. This may have components relating to the spatial distribution of a weed, pest or disease or methods by which the target, particularly a crop canopy, can be described with respect to a given application. Changes in application can relate to the dose and/or volume applied, but may also concern the way in which a treatment is delivered in terms of parameters such as spray trajectory angle and droplet size distribution. For many weed species there is evidence of patchy distributions in field situations. Studies have shown that savings of typically up to 40% in herbicide use can be achieved by adopting patch spraying approaches in such situations. Weed patch detection is key to the performance of such patch spraying systems. In widely spaced rowcrops such as vegetables, there is considerable scope for developing fully automated detection systems based on image analysis, and for the development of accurate guidance systems that apply pesticides only to the crop row. In crops with a relatively high plant density, weed detection in the medium/short term is likely to be based on manual discrimination. The costs of labour for manual weed patch mapping have been estimated at less than 1.50 ha(-1) pounds sterling. Potential savings in pesticide use can also be made if applications are matched to crop canopy structure. This is most important in bush and tree crops where savings of up to 75% in pesticide use could be achieved. In crops such as cereals, studies have shown that savings in fungicide use may be possible, particularly at earlier stages of growth by adjusting spray delivery to measured canopy characteristics. Key components of the performance of application systems concern the ability to deliver over a dose rate range of more than 3:1 while maintaining control of variables such as delivery trajectory angle and spray quality. Traceability and the effective monitoring of applications is likely to be a major driver influencing the uptake of more sophisticated control systems. Methods of labelling pesticides with systems that can be read by the application unit will be an important step in the development of recording and data handling systems that will operate safely with the minimum of operator input and enable the environmental advantages of targeted pesticide application to be monitored.     

Prediction of agrochemical residue data on fruit using an informatic system (PARDIS model)

A 'step-by-step' method was used to develop a simplified procedure for calculating pesticide residue levels on fruit at harvest by considering the application of the compound and the relevant routes of loss. The model is applicable to cases where the most important exposure route is by direct spray to the canopy of the crop and where uptake into the plant by the roots can be disregarded. The exposure dose is calculated by considering the proportion of total crop cover represented by the fruits. The loss processes considered are photodegradation, uptake, volatilization and washoff.The outputs of the model were compared with measured residues of pesticides on pear. Analysis of the model fit demonstrates that the model predicted the measured data with a good level of accuracy for four of seven investigated pesticides. The predicted/observed quotients are close to 1, as is the modelling efficiency, and there are no great differences between the predicted and observed values. Taking into account the extreme simplicity of the model and the complexity of the environmental processes considered, these results encourage further research into the modelling of residue behaviour in food commodities.The objectives of this work were to produce a tool to predict pesticide residues in products of plant origin, to complement monitoring of pesticide levels and to be useful in evaluating the effect of government policies on food safety. All predicted values were below the maximum levels fixed for pesticide residues in pear, as amended in Council Directives 86/362/EEC and 90/642/EEC. Copyright (c) 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.     

Jointness in farmers' decision to apply pesticides in multiple crops and its determinants at the farm level in Bangladesh

Decision about pesticide application for pest control is an issue of major concern, but research on factors affecting decision-making is limited. This study investigates jointness in farmers' decision to apply pesticides in multiple crops and socio-economic determinants of pesticide use across crops using a survey of 2083 farms from 17 districts in Bangladesh applying a multivariate Tobit model. Overall, 75.4% and 12.7% of the farmers applied pesticides in one and two crops, respectively. The decision to apply pesticides in multiple crops was found to be negatively correlated, providing evidence of jointness. Also, individual socio-economic factors exerted variable influences on pesticide use in different crops. Output price significantly increases pesticide use whereas the influence of fertilizer price and labour wage is varied. Educated farmers use significantly more pesticides in rice and oilseed. Marginal and small farmers use significantly less pesticides in wheat/maize and pulse. Policy implications include price policies to reduce fertilizer prices and engaging agricultural extension agencies and non-governmental organizations to disseminate information on specific crop combinations which will synergistically reduce pesticide use.     

人工智能在农药精准施药应用中的研究进展

传统农药施药方式大多依靠人工经验识别单位种植面积内作物的主要病虫草害并针对该症状均匀连续喷洒农药。该方法难以根据作物的不同病虫草害种类和严重程度及时调整农药种类及用量,可能会导致不足或过量用药,喷洒在非症状区域的农药还会对生态环境造成污染。精准施药技术在平衡使用农药与保护生态安全之间给出了一种有效的解决方案,值得大力推广。近年来,人工智能技术的发展推动了精准施药相关研究。为进一步总结人工智能在农药精准施药关键技术中的应用进展,探索人工智能在农药精准施药未来发展方向,本文分析了人工智能在农药精准施药关键技术领域的应用现状,并展望了人工智能在农药精准施药应用中的发展趋势。     

Economic use of pesticides in the Ukraine

The total value of agricultural production in the Ukraine amounts to $30 billion, equivalent to 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The annual cost of pesticide inputs is estimated to be $200–225 million. Herbicides and insecticides account for approximately 50% and 30% of pesticide use, respectively. The government has introduced a National Programme for the development of agricultural production over the next five to eight years. The programme envisages an expansion in agricultural production and pesticide use and a continuation of the move towards a free‐market economy. Improvements in crop yield and quality will benefit both the individual grower and the national economy. In the transition to the free‐market economy, growers require a clear understanding of present pesticide technology and crop production systems. A major change of attitude is required by all those people involved in providing and using pesticides to ensure that they are used both economically and safely. To address this issue, a Regional Academic Programme (REAP), involving Writtle College and Bila Tserkva State Agrarian University, has been initiated. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Economics of integrated pest control in protected crops

Decision-makers in the protected crop environment face similar pest-management decisions, in economic terms, to growers of field crops or grain store managers. As a result, the principles of economic thresholds, cost: benefit analyses and risk minimisation apply equally to each of these systems. Growers are faced with several general classes of pest-control decisions: the general control strategy to adopt, and then tactical questions such as when to start control and when to stop or change control practices. However, there are a number of aspects of protected crops which require a somewhat different view of the problem. Several economic models for these questions are examined. The high density of protected crops means that a great deal is at risk at any one time. The protected environment reduces uncertainty about losses, but by optimising temperatures and humidities it increases the probability of loss. The feeling of being able to “control” the environment may extend to pests as well, increasing the use of standard pesticide or biocontrol programmes, rather than responsive pest management based on thresholds. The relatively small scale of protected crops, their accessibility for inspection and the high level of management skills involved in their production improve prospects for monitoring and predicting crop levels, insects and diseases, thus reducing uncertainty. However, the high probability of loss may reduce the value of gathering information, and encourage growers to rely on standard prophylactic procedures which allow them to devote management effort to more productive activities, such as marketing. The balance may be shifted towards more information-based decisions in the future to try to avoid excessive pesticide use because of more stringent regulations on pesticide residues and changing market demand for more organic produce. This may affect disease control in particular, where prophylactic biological control is not an option. At the policy level, feedback on environmental impacts to consumers and policy-makers is poor and decisions with expensive implications for the economy and for environmental quality may not be made in an optimal manner.     

IPM: Overcoming Conflicts in Adoption

The diversity of competing interests in North America provides a remarkable series of divergent messages to growers. Depending on what crop they produce or how they farm, they may be heroes or villains, loyal or unpatriotic, or stewards or ravagers of the environment. Even relatively minor changes in farming practices can result in significant public or political response. Considering that growers may risk 100% of their crop yield on a potential savings of 10% (or less) for investment in pesticides, it is not surprising that growers are slow to adopt IPM programs. Well-intentioned appeals to eliminate pesticides, or save the environment at all costs, are usually not effective. Likewise, a high failure rate can be expected from attempts to legislate IPM, implement programs that focus on only part of a pest complex, or adoption strategies that do not include on-farm testing and extensive educational efforts. However, some strategies have proven effective. Growers who have experienced loss of pesticides due to resistance are receptive to management programs which avoid or delay resistance. Many programs have been adopted piecemeal, starting with sampling programs followed by treatment thresholds and modified pesticide use. One of the most successful approaches has been an economic comparison of grower standard and IPM programs using partial budgets. Increased net profits provide powerful incentives for program adoption.     

European Union policy on pesticides: implications for agriculture in Ireland

European Community (EC) legislation has limited the availability of pesticide active substances used in effective plant protection products. The Pesticide Authorisation Directive 91/414/EEC introduced the principle of risk assessment for approval of pesticide active substances. This principle was modified by the introduction of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009, which applies hazard, the intrinsic toxicity of the active substance, rather than risk, the potential for hazard to occur, as the approval criterion. Potential impacts of EC pesticide legislation on agriculture in Ireland are summarised. While these will significantly impact on pesticide availability in the medium to long term, regulations associated with water quality (Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC and Drinking Water Directive 1998/83/EC) have the potential to restrict pesticide use more immediately, as concerns regarding public health and economic costs associated with removing pesticides from water increase. This rationale will further reduce the availability of effective pesticide active substances, directly affecting crop protection and increasing pesticide resistance within pest and disease populations. In addition, water quality requirements may also impact on important active substances used in plant protection in Ireland. The future challenge for agriculture in Ireland is to sustain production and profitability using reduced pesticide inputs within a framework of integrated pest management. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Novel approaches to integrated pest and disease control in glasshouse vegetables in the Netherlands

As a result of government policy and consumers' attitudes to environmentally compatible growing systems, research is focused on reduction of pesticide input into the environment. This aim is approached in different ways. With so-called “closed growing systems”, soil fumigants are no longer needed, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in the total use of pesticides. Further, far smaller quantities of (systemic) pesticides need to be added to plants, via the nutrient solution, than with soil-grown crops. Water disinfestation is essential to minimize the spread of diseases and heat treatment and ozonization are already used under commercial conditions. Filtration appears to be neither reliable nor practical. Other disinfestation methods are under investigation. Ventilators may be provided with insect-proof screens to minimize infection pressure, especially on young plant material. Air filters in combination with mechanical ventilation may be an option for the future to raise healthy plants. A further reduction in the use of pesticides can be achieved by developing biological and integrated control of insects and fungi. Simultaneous application of several biocontrol methods in the fruit vegetable area has increased the complexity of IPM. Open rearing systems of parasitoids on alternative hosts to control cotton aphids and leaf miners are promising. IPM is highly dependent on the availability of selective chemicals. Biological control of root-infecting fungi in substrate crops shows promise. Integrated control of powdery mildew in cucumbers using a combination of nutritional and climatic management and varieties showing partial resistance will be studied. Improvement of application techniques for pesticides is being studied by plant pathologists in cooperation with technical experts. The aim is to reduce pesticide application rates, to minimize losses to the environment and to avoid health risks for the worker. By developing decision-support systems for crop protection, optimal use of beneficial insects is achieved and unnecessary applications of chemicals are avoided. A programme to develop such a system for the sweet pepper crop is under way.     

Disinfection of Flower Bulbs by Pesticides in Foam1

Disinfection of flower bulbs is a very important operation for the grower. Traditional methods like spraying or drenching the bulbs with pesticide solutions is very environment-polluting. To overcome the release of pesticides into the environment by dumping wastes, research has been undertaken into an alternative method of disinfection: administration of pesticides in a foam formulation. If applied properly this method avoids overdosing and prevents leakage of pesticides to the ground and drift of droplets. Several characteristics of the foam have been studied in relation to this method' of treatment. Other possibilities of application of this method are considered.     

国际食品法典加工农产品中农药最大残留限量现状分析

加工农产品中的农药残留信息对于国际贸易及进行更精确的膳食摄入风险评估均非常重要.本文重点介绍了国际食品法典关于制定加工农产品中农药最大残留限量(MRL)和开展膳食摄入风险评估所遵循的一般原则、数据要求、评估方法以及加工农产品分类等信息.国际食品法典委员会目前共制定了586项加工农产品中的农药MRL标准,其中针对谷物碾磨...     

作物从土壤中吸收、传递和累积农药的研究进展

农药是保障粮食安全的重要农业投入品,施用后部分农药会沉积在土壤中,甚至会被作物根部吸收,进入作物体内并累积于可食部位,从而导致潜在农产品质量安全问题。研究表明,土壤中的有机质含量、农药的辛醇-水分配系数和作物脂质含量是影响作物吸收非离子型农药的关键因素,作物各部位的脂质含量是影响该类农药累积的关键因素,借助蒸腾作用向上传递是作物根部吸收传导农药的主要动力。本文重点综述了农药被作物的根部吸收、传递和累积及其主要影响因素,结合植物吸收模型的发展及运用,展望了该领域未来发展方向,为农药归趋及应用风险研究提供参考。     

An evaluation of smallholder farmers' knowledge,perceptions, choices and gender perspectives in vegetable pests and diseases control practices in the humid tropics of Cameroon

The use of pesticides on vegetables in Sub-Saharan Africa by small-scale farmers dates back to several decades. However, little research has been conducted to capture farmers’ perception on pesticide use on vegetables. This study aims to identify and evaluate farmers’ local knowledge and perception of vegetable pests and diseases and their protection and management practices in humid tropics of Cameroon. Key informant and focus group interviews complemented with quantitative one-on-one structured interviews of 130 farm households and observational assessments were employed. Standard vegetables such as chili pepper are the preferred vegetables in Bafoussam area, whereas traditional vegetables dominate in the Buea and Ebolowa area. Among over 15 vegetables, more than 60% are in the traditional African vegetables category, with insect infestation and fungal infection known to be the most critical biotic production constraints. Successful intensification and diversification of cocoa-based systems with vegetables will require increasing awareness on safer production methods, long-term harmful effects of pesticide misuse, and strengthening the capacity of regulatory agencies responsible for preventing importation of banned pesticides.     

五种杀菌剂在水稻上的吸收与传导性能研究

茎叶喷雾是当前化学农药最常用的施药方式,但是存在着农药蒸发飘移、弹跳碎裂、因过度铺展而脱靶流失等缺陷,导致农药利用率低。通过研究农药在植物体内的吸收及传导性能,选择合适的农药研发根部施药的剂型与技术,能够降低环境因素对农药有效成分的不利影响,并通过农药的缓慢释放与剂量调控维持更长时间的药效,从而有效提高农药利用率。本研究以室内营养土和营养液两种模式培育的水稻为模式作物,研究了三环唑、噻呋酰胺、己唑醇、氟环唑和嘧菌酯5种不同类型的杀菌剂在水稻苗期植株中的吸收与传导行为。结果表明,这5种杀菌剂均可以被水稻幼苗根系吸收并向上传导,但效率存在差异。在营养土和营养液培养条件下,水稻幼苗根部的三环唑含量在4 h~2 d内明显高于茎叶部,施药5 d后三环唑在水稻中的转运因子值均大于1,说明三环唑具有良好的向上传输性能,而其他农药向上传输的能力较差。相比其他4种农药,三环唑更适合加工成根部施用的剂型,更易于通过水稻根部吸收后向上传输与分布,以有效防控茎叶部病害。该结果可为根部施用的药剂研发提供思路,为农药根部施药技术的发展提供指导。     

Recent Developments in Pesticide Application by the United States Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service1

Aerial application of pesticides is generally the method used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the control of pests of rangeland, cultivated crops, and forested areas. With increased restrictions placed on pesticides, then- continued use requires improved application technology to meet acceptable levels of risk at reasonable cost The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of USDA is developing an aerial spray drift model for use by their field personnel to minimize drift from aerial application of pesticides to environmentally sensitive areas. Input information utilizing a low cost, field-deployable microcomputer includes aircraft type, application technique and hardware, pesticide formulation, meteorological conditions, and type (roughness) and extent of the site. Expected output computations will be: 1) distribution pattern of downwind deposition, including evaporation corrections and matching to empirical field measurement; 2) optimal aircraft swath spacing; and 3) buffer distance between the target area and the environmentally sensitive areas.     

Organochlorine pesticide residues in soils from six U.S. Air Force bases, 1975--76.

Soil samples collected during 1975 and 1976 from United States Air Force installations in California, Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues. Sigma DDT, chlordane, and dieldrin were the pesticides most commonly found. In 1975, sigma DDT residues were significantly higher in samples from residential areas than in samples from golf courses or areas free of pesticide application. Chlordane residues in 1975 were significantly higher in both residential and golf course areas than in areas where pesticides had not been used. No significant differences were found in 1976 in residue levels of any pesticide monitored among various land use areas.     

给农业插上科技的翅膀：植保无人机低容量喷雾技术助力农药减施增效

十三五期间以植保无人机低容量施药技术为代表的现代航空植保产业发展迅速。科研协作研究与大量田间试验示范表明,采用植保无人机施药技术能够提高靶标作物上药液沉积量并减少农药流失,实现精准减量施药;同时能够解决地面机具无法作业时的病虫害防治问题。航空植保技术实现了人机分离作业,避免了农药中毒,降低了劳动强度,极大地提高了作业效率,达到减少农药使用量、提高农药利用率的目的。以水稻为对象,综述植保无人机在农药减量、水稻病虫害防效、技术简易性、农药利用率提升、水稻增产以及成本效益提升等发面发挥的作用。航空植保产业的迅速发展加快了植保无人机智能精准控制系统质量的提升和新技术的研发步伐,且植保无人机的普及性提出了飞防药剂、助剂和施药飘移风险控制技术研发的迫切需求,基于此进一步梳理总结了植保无人机低容量喷雾技术在农药减施增效中的作用和未来发展方向。     

我国高风险农药管理进展与趋势

高风险农药是社会关注的热点,也是农药管理的重点。本文从技术和管理两个层面论述了我国农药管理的现状与趋势。从技术上看,把安全性作为农药登记技术评估的焦点,从源头提高登记门槛,建立农药风险评估机制,推进残留标准体系化建设,严控有害杂质和启动助剂管理,确保农药质量;从政策上看,对高风险农药源头管控力度日趋强化,扩大禁限用范围,加强潜在风险产品和剂型的管控,监管链条初具雏形。农药发展趋势是强化安全与环保要求,鼓励开发低风险产品,推进先进环保施药技术,促进社会诚信风尚。     

农药对健康及环境影响药迹模型的构建与应用

为了更好地评估农药使用对人类健康和生态环境的综合影响,利用可方便获取的农药有效成分特性数据资源,在综合考虑健康及环境影响评估的定量化、参数的代表性、测试方法的标准化、现有可获取数据的权威性和完整性,以及评估核算过程的便利性等要求基础上,构建了药迹模型及其指标体系。采用所建立的药迹模型可计算得到表征各种农药对健康和环境影响力的药迹指数,再结合农药用量数据,即可对不同时空尺度下农药使用产生的健康和环境影响进行定量化的核算和比较。通过该模型对70种代表性农药进行核算,结果表明,药迹指数为0.002~111.348 PTU/kg,单次用量药迹为0.001~41.412 PTU/hm2,不同农药品种间差距很大。该药迹模型具有广泛的应用前景,如药迹指数可用于农药危害性分类,药迹核算可用于农药减施成效评估,药迹限量可用于农药施用限量标准制定等。