Resins and polymers

Resins and polymers serve as essential formulation additives in modern crop protection products. While they are not active ingredients in terms of pest control, they function as vital adjuvants that significantly optimize the delivery and performance of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides applied in field conditions.

The primary mechanism of action involves modifying the physical and chemical properties of the spray solution. Once applied, these substances form a resilient, elastic film on the leaf surface. This barrier reduces the evaporation of active ingredients and prevents wash-off caused by rain or heavy dew, effectively extending the window of activity for the pesticide.

These components are widely utilized across various agricultural sectors, including cereals, oilseeds, and horticultural crops. Their use is particularly beneficial when deploying systemic pesticides, as the polymer matrix ensures a more consistent uptake by the plant by maintaining the active ingredient in a bioavailable form on the plant surface for a longer duration.

Application requires careful attention to concentration rates to avoid inhibiting essential plant functions. Excessive usage of certain polymers can potentially interfere with leaf gas exchange or stomatal conductance. It is standard practice to add these adjuvants last to the spray tank after proper agitation of the main pesticides to ensure a uniform and effective mixture.

• Increased resistance to rainfall wash-off.
• Reduced spray drift and improved droplet deposition.
• Enhanced spread and coverage on waxy leaf surfaces.
• Prolonged residual activity of crop protection products.

Regarding safety precautions, it is crucial to use standard personal protective equipment, including gloves and respirators, when handling these formulations. Furthermore, because of their film-forming properties, equipment must be cleaned thoroughly and immediately after operation to prevent the accumulation and hardening of residues within the spray system's nozzles and pumps.