Synthetic corp protection products
All corp protection products that are produced by synthesis are also synthetic. Synthesis is the process by which a compound is produced from elements or a compounded new substance is produced from simply constructed compounds. Active substances that are produced synthetically can, however, be identical to nature in their effect.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The compounds produced in the laboratory therefore have the same molecular shape as the naturally occurring substances. On the other hand, compounds are also produced in the laboratory that do not occur in nature. The compound is produced by chemical synthesis. Whether a substance has been synthesised has nothing to do with its toxicity.
Two types of pesticides
- Corp protection products are usually «formulations». In addition to the active ingredients, corp protection products also contain additives so that they can be reliably applied to the field as stable solutions. There are two types of synthetic pesticides
- Synthetic corp protection products, which are nature-identical. The compounds produced in the laboratory have the same molecular structure as the naturally occurring substances.
Synthetic pesticides that are not nature-identical. These are compounds that do not occur in nature. One example from medicine is aspirin. Aspirin does not occur in nature. The compound is produced by chemical synthesis.
«Natura» vs. «synthetic»
In practice, it is almost impossible to categorise corp protection products into «synthetic» and «non-synthetic» or «natural». Only very few active ingredients are extracted directly from nature nowadays. Even the plant protection products authorised for organic farming (FiBL list) are produced using modern industrial processes. Copper and sulphur are synthesised. Some of these products also contain adjuvants and additives that can also be considered «synthetic».
Good to know
Whether a pesticide has been produced synthetically or non-synthetically says nothing about the toxicity of the active ingredient. Natural substances can also be highly toxic. For example, the insecticide pyrethrum, which is permitted in organic farming, is extracted from the natural flowers of chrysanthemums and kills bees if they come into direct contact with it.The synthetic production of plant protection products offers many advantages. You can find out more here.
Related articles
"Natural is healthy, chemicals are toxic."
Everything that occurs in nature is healthy and synthetically produced substances, i.e. "chemical" substances, are toxic. This myth is fundamentally wrong: There are many highly toxic substances in nature, and at the same time there are many synthetic substances that are absolutely harmless.
Farmers demonstrate against pesticide bans
French farmers have called for a large demonstration. Between February 8 and 20, 2023, farmers will drive their tractors into the heart of Paris to protest against the gradual decline in French agricultural production. The farmers have an ever-decreasing number of pesticides at their disposal to protect their crops.
Class action lawsuit over pesticide ban
A proven seed dressing may no longer be used due to a decision of the European Court of Justice. As a result, the pumpkin harvest in Styria, Austria, has been almost completely destroyed.
Is the industry exporting banned pesticides?
The media is full of stories about Swiss producers of plant protection products exporting pesticides that are banned in Switzerland. Weak regulations in importing countries would be deliberately exploited. However, this does not correspond to the facts. When exporting plant protection products, Swiss manufacturers adhere to strict international standards. In addition, there are certain products for which an approval in Switzerland does not make sense.
Because plants need protection from pests and diseases
The health of our crops cannot be taken for granted. On the contrary: in our mobile world, pests and plant diseases are spreading like wildfire. Climate change acts as an accelerant. When pests migrate and new plant diseases establish themselves in our latitudes, they can become a threat to native species. The International Plant Health Day on 12 May is a reminder of this. And the day shows: to ensure plant health in the future, research and innovation are needed above all.
Pesticide cuts
In Switzerland, a growing number of pesticides are being banned by the authorities. At the same time, there are almost no new ones entering the market. The regulatory authorities are severely overstretched. Things cannot go on like this. Every product that disappears from the market increases the risk of pests developing resistance and of crops failing.