Recent developments on safer formulations of agrochemicals

Abstract

There is an increasing need for the crop protection industry to continue to develop new products and delivery systems which are optimized with regard to safety, environmental behaviour, biological performance and cost. Agrochemical products are often perceived to be hazardous. Products may often have a high acute toxicity profile and problems are encountered with handling, application and use of products. Whilst considerable efforts have been focused on improvements to the handling of pesticides in the transfer between pack and spray tank, with closed transfer systems being introduced and better application knowledge permitting improved application techniques, there has also been much greater attention paid by formulation scientists to maximizing the activity of a particular pesticide. This is being achieved by a more complete understanding of the mode of action of a pesticide, of how that pesticide interacts with adjuvant chemicals and thereby often the preparation of specific mixtures to optimize the biological performance. These studies often lead to an increase in the inherent toxicity of a product. Superimposed on this knowledge base, the formulation chemist still has to work with the key drivers which affect the final choice of formulation. These include

• physical and chemical properties of the pesticide;

• biology (activity and crop selectivity);

• application;

• safety;

• registration requirements;

• cost;

• suitability for large-scale manufacture;

• shelf life.