Red Surcos presents 2,4-D with nanotechnology that makes it 400 times less volatile

Time:2018-09-22
By Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages
 
Argentina's leading agrochemical company, Red Surcos, was present at the Congress of AAPRESID (Argentine Association of Producers in Direct Sowing), showcasing a technology that is revolutionizing the fight against weeds. The company presented its “2,4-D Dédalo Elite” herbicide at the event, with nanotechnology that leaves it 400 times less volatile than a classic ester product and five times less volatile than salt-based formulations.
 
This point, said the manufacturer, opens the possibility of applying the product seven days before planting soy. This is a very important improvement, since 2,4-D based on salts have to be applied at least 20 days in advance.
 
"Although the active ingredient is not new and is well known, it is a revolutionary formulation that implies having renewed knowledge, and to acquire and disseminate it, the role of engineers and advisors is key," said Antonio Cavaglia, manager of marketing of Red Surcos, who was present at the Congress.
 
 
"But beyond the virtues of these products in terms of efficiency, we must highlight the positive impact they generate in terms of caring for the environment, because only half the chemicals are applied per unit area. It is an enormous contribution to sustainability, "Cavaglia reasoned.
 
The specialist detailed several issues that are key to understanding why herbicides with nanotechnology are a great solution to the problem of weeds. A central issue is the dosage: "The Red Surcos Elite product line, which is the one made with nanotechnology, uses, to obtain the same control as traditional formulations, only half of the active principle per hectare compared to them."
 
The specialist also emphasized that nanotechnology has smaller particles of the active principle. That's why half the dose is used as compared to the usual formulations. The reduction in the size of the particles generates an increase of the contact surface of the herbicide with the weed, which has as consequence a greater diffusion of the active principle in that objective. Finally, these formulations include specific surfactants that protect the active principle to avoid physical and chemical losses during the application.
 
"All this allows for achieving excellent control and reduces the amount of assets by half. And all these are what make traditional products incomparable with products with nanotechnology, precisely because they carry half, "explained Cavaglia. This is the central fact that positions products with nanotechnology as the new paradigm in agrochemicals. That is, half the dose of the active principle, but at the same time, resulting in more efficiency.