kenthefarmer
Lister
Farming has become more challenging due to increased diseases, pests, and the cost of agricultural inputs. One major issue is farmers unknowingly buying the same product under different brand names, leading to poor results and loss of money. Let’s break it down and understand why this happens and how farmers can avoid it.
The Problem with Active Ingredients
Every pesticide, fungicide, or foliar fertilizer contains a key component called the Active Ingredient (AI). This is the substance that does the actual work of controlling pests, diseases, or nourishing plants. For example:
Metalaxyl is a curative fungicide, meaning it fights diseases already affecting your crops.
Mancozeb is a preventive fungicide, meaning it protects crops from getting diseases in the first place.
Many companies produce a product with these two active ingredients plus other Ai's and sell it under different brand names. Farmers, unaware of this, may buy these products thinking they are different, only to end up spraying the same active ingredients repeatedly.
Why This Is a Problem
1. Resistance Development
When the same active ingredient is used repeatedly, pests and diseases become resistant to it. This means the fungicide or pesticide will no longer work, no matter how much you use.
2. Wasted Money
Farmers spend money buying products that offer no new solution to their problem, causing unnecessary expenses.
3. No Results
Because of resistance, the crops do not improve, and diseases or pests continue to spread, leading to reduced yields and frustration for the farmers
Understanding Foliars
Foliars (liquid fertilizers sprayed on leaves) are also often branded and sold under many different names. Large companies are supplying these foliars to smaller companies, which rebrand and sell them as their own products. Farmers need to know what nutrients are in the foliar and how they benefit their crops.
How to Avoid These Issues
1. Learn About Active Ingredients
Before buying any pesticide, fungicide, or foliar, check the label for the active ingredient. Avoid buying products with the same active ingredient, even if the brand name is different.
2. Alternate Products
To prevent resistance, rotate pesticides and fungicides with different active ingredients. For example, if you spray a product with metalaxyl today, use a fungicide with a different active ingredient next time.
3. Understand When to Use Products
Not all products work the same way. Some are preventive, while others are curative. Know the problem affecting your crops and use the right product for the job.
4. Consult an Expert
If you are unsure, consult an agronomist ,experienced farmer or agricultural expert. They can help you identify the right products to use and how to use them effectively.
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
It is important to note that not all pesticides and fungicides are harmful. Each product has a Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), which is the time you should wait after spraying before harvesting your crops. This ensures the chemicals break down and do not harm consumers. Always follow the PHI guidelines on the product label.
~village investor
The Problem with Active Ingredients
Every pesticide, fungicide, or foliar fertilizer contains a key component called the Active Ingredient (AI). This is the substance that does the actual work of controlling pests, diseases, or nourishing plants. For example:
Metalaxyl is a curative fungicide, meaning it fights diseases already affecting your crops.
Mancozeb is a preventive fungicide, meaning it protects crops from getting diseases in the first place.
Many companies produce a product with these two active ingredients plus other Ai's and sell it under different brand names. Farmers, unaware of this, may buy these products thinking they are different, only to end up spraying the same active ingredients repeatedly.
Why This Is a Problem
1. Resistance Development
When the same active ingredient is used repeatedly, pests and diseases become resistant to it. This means the fungicide or pesticide will no longer work, no matter how much you use.
2. Wasted Money
Farmers spend money buying products that offer no new solution to their problem, causing unnecessary expenses.
3. No Results
Because of resistance, the crops do not improve, and diseases or pests continue to spread, leading to reduced yields and frustration for the farmers
Understanding Foliars
Foliars (liquid fertilizers sprayed on leaves) are also often branded and sold under many different names. Large companies are supplying these foliars to smaller companies, which rebrand and sell them as their own products. Farmers need to know what nutrients are in the foliar and how they benefit their crops.
How to Avoid These Issues
1. Learn About Active Ingredients
Before buying any pesticide, fungicide, or foliar, check the label for the active ingredient. Avoid buying products with the same active ingredient, even if the brand name is different.
2. Alternate Products
To prevent resistance, rotate pesticides and fungicides with different active ingredients. For example, if you spray a product with metalaxyl today, use a fungicide with a different active ingredient next time.
3. Understand When to Use Products
Not all products work the same way. Some are preventive, while others are curative. Know the problem affecting your crops and use the right product for the job.
4. Consult an Expert
If you are unsure, consult an agronomist ,experienced farmer or agricultural expert. They can help you identify the right products to use and how to use them effectively.
Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI)
It is important to note that not all pesticides and fungicides are harmful. Each product has a Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI), which is the time you should wait after spraying before harvesting your crops. This ensures the chemicals break down and do not harm consumers. Always follow the PHI guidelines on the product label.
~village investor