Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
In the dynamic field of agriculture, biological crop protection products have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional synthetic interventions.
As the demand for sustainable farming practices continues to rise, producers are increasingly integrating these solutions into their integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. However, increased demand often leads to the sudden emergence of new suppliers offering a variety of ‘innovative’ solutions. This can leave producers overwhelmed. Selecting the right biological crop protection product necessitates a careful evaluation and thorough vetting of suppliers.
Substandard products can erode producers’ confidence in adopting biological solutions, hindering the growth and credibility of the biorational industry as a whole. To mitigate this risk, producers must ask some crucial questions.
Evaluating the product
Understanding the type of registration the product holds is paramount.
Biological crop protection products should have undergone legitimate trials under various climatic conditions.
Producers must confirm whether these trials were assessed by relevant authorities and that the product is registered under Act 36 of 1947.
Check the formulation and efficacy. Is the product purely biological, or is it a hybrid with synthetic additives for quick impact? Knowing the active ingredient and its mode of action (MoA) is crucial. Compare the product’s efficacy to existing chemical solutions and enquire about its registration on other crops and pests.
Comprehensive guidance on application timing, number of applications, and compatibility with other products is essential. This includes understanding storage requirements, shelf life, and handling procedures to maintain product efficacy.
Enquire about the product’s safety for workers, livestock, and the environment. Information on maximum residue limits (MRLs), preharvest intervals (PHIs), and restricted entry intervals (REIs) is necessary for safety and compliance.
Consider the product’s fit within integrated crop management (ICM), IPM, and insect resistance management (IRM) programmes. Compatibility with existing practices can enhance overall effectiveness.
Expertise and credibility
One of the first steps is to ask the supplier to provide a comprehensive overview of the active ingredient and its MoA. Understanding whether the product targets pests through fungal infection or viral mechanisms can significantly impact its efficacy in pest-crop matching.
Additionally, knowing the typical signs and symptoms associated with the pathogen can help determine if the product’s effectiveness should be measured by crop quality or yield improvements.
Suppliers must demystify any technical jargon found on the product label. Terms such as ‘spores per gram’ or ‘CFU’ (colony-forming units) should be clearly explained to ensure that the producer fully understands the product’s composition and potential impact.
Also enquire about the product’s compatibility with other registered remedies. Information on tank-mix safety and advice on sequential applications can prevent adverse reactions and optimise the product’s effectiveness.
Suppliers should communicate realistic expectations regarding product results. Overnight success is often unrealistic, and understanding the time frame for visible results is key. Verify the supplier’s address, contact details, company registration, and affiliations with industry governing bodies such as Croplife SA or SABO. Suppliers should present trial results that are conducted under similar environmental conditions as the producer’s locale. Demonstration or commercial trials can offer insight into the product’s performance and help producers make informed decisions.
Final considerations
- Cost and value: The economic aspect is crucial. Producers should evaluate the cost per hectare or application and consider whether the product adds value to their operation.
- Phytotoxicity and usage restrictions: Potential risks of phytotoxicity or physical damage to plants should be addressed. Suppliers should also inform producers of any restrictions on usage or compatibility.
- Organic certification: For those interested in organic farming, verifying the product’s organic accreditation and compliance with organic standards is important. – Compiled by Ben Krog (Pr.Sci.Nat), Andermatt Madumbi
Thank you to our contributors Wilma MacPherson, Matt Janks, Chris Thompson, André Broeksma, Drs Chantal Janks, Justin Hatting, Colleen Hepburn, Anna Landwehr, and Heidi Widmer. For more information, send an email to yolande.kruger@andermatt.co.za