Boost crop yields with smart agrochemical practices

Agrochemicals – including pesticides, herbicides, biostimulants, and fertilisers – are crucial tools for farmers. They help in protecting crops from pests and diseases, enhancing growth, and improving soil fertility. This leads to higher yields and better-quality produce, which is essential for meeting the increasing global food demand.

In this episode, Nolene Odendaal, regulatory affairs manager at AECI Plant Health, shares tips on the responsible use of agrochemicals, why biopesticides are gaining traction and more.

According to Odendaal, farmers must be aware that crop advisors must be registered and accredited by the Croplife SA system. “It is important for producers to commit themselves to buy from registered crop advisors only.”

There are also some key application methods to consider when using agrochemicals. Odendaal emphasises that products must be used as per the registered recommendation on the label.

“Products are developed for specific uses. It is important that the product label is strictly adhered to and applied as per the recommendations. Producers should not deviate from the approved and recommended uses.”

What happens when chemicals don’t ‘work’?

Odendaal also shares details about Act 36 of 1947, why all agrochemicals must be registered under this act, and why producers sometimes do not see desired results in the use of agrochemicals.

“Over 95% of complaints about products that failed or damaged the crop are a direct result of not following the labelling instructions. Every product has a disclaimer indicating that the registration holder does not take responsibility for product performance if the label instructions were not followed.”

She also unpacks why farmers need to keep abreast of agrochemicals to be used in the future and how consultants assist farmers in developing customised plant-health management plans and more.