The right hydrocarbon oil for crop protection
Mineral oils and white oils are popular due to their versatility as adjuvants or active substances in crop protection products. They not only improve the effectiveness of herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, but also help to increase the adhesion of the active ingredients to plant surfaces. These oils promote a more even distribution and better adhesion of the spray mixture, which is particularly useful in adverse weather conditions.
In terms of maximum residue limits (MRLs), mineral and white oils are considered safe as they typically leave no hazardous residues on food when used at prescribed doses. Their rapid biodegradability minimises the risk of long-term residues on plants and in the environment.
The bee toxicity of mineral and white oils is also an important consideration. Although these oils are considered relatively safe for bees when applied according to recommendations, they can be harmful in direct contact. Therefore, it is important to plan the application so that it does not coincide with the bees' active flight period in order to minimise the risk of exposure.
Another important issue is phytoxicity, i.e. the potential harmfulness of the oils to the treated plants themselves. Under certain conditions, such as high temperatures or when plants are under stress, mineral and white oils can cause leaf burn or other damage. It is essential to follow application recommendations closely and to assess environmental conditions carefully before application to minimise the risk of plant damage.
These aspects underline the need for careful application and monitoring of mineral and white oils in crop protection practice to maximise their benefits while minimising negative impacts on the environment, human health and the economics of agricultural production.
When using mineral oils and white oils as crop protection products, there are various regulatory aspects that must be observed. These regulations are designed to ensure that the use of these products is safe and effective while protecting the environment and human health.
Here are some important regulatory areas:
Authorisation and registration: in many countries, crop protection products must be officially authorised or registered before they can be placed on the market.
This usually involves thorough testing of the efficacy and safety of the products. In the European Union, for example, all plant protection products must be evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and authorised by the European Commission.
For all crop protection products, including mineral and white oils, regulators set maximum residue limits that are allowed on treated crops. These limits are important to ensure that food safety is guaranteed and consumers are protected from potential health risks.
Maximum residue limits (MRLs): For all crop protection products, including mineral and white oils, regulators set maximum residue limits that are allowed on treated crops. These limits are important to ensure that food safety is guaranteed and consumers are protected from potential health risks.
Recommendations for use: Authorities issue specific guidance on the safe and effective use of crop protection products. These recommendations include details on dosages, application times and methods, and special precautions to minimise negative effects on non-target organisms such as bees.
Environmental protection: Environmental protection regulations are also crucial. They aim to minimise the potential impact of plant protection products on the environment, including water protection and soil conservation. This may include restrictions on application near water sources or at certain times to minimise the impact on wildlife.
Occupational health and safety: Regulations also prescribe the safety measures to be taken when handling and applying crop protection products to protect the health of users. This often includes requirements for personal protective equipment and training on safe use.
Regulations also prescribe the safety measures to be taken when handling and applying crop protection products to protect the health of users. This often includes requirements for personal protective equipment and training on safe use.
