Embrapa creates technology that reduces pesticide on crops – Globo.com

A new technology developed by Embrapa can bring many benefits to Brazilian agriculture. The electrostatic spray aims to reduce the application of pesticides on crops. The news is already being used by small producers.

Brazilian agriculture is one of the largest and most productive in the world and because it’s so large consumption of water, lots of seed, fertilizer and pesticides to combat diseases and pests of all kinds.

the agronomist Marcelo Morandi, head of Embrapa Environment, located in Jaguariúna, São Paulo, believes that pesticides are important tools for agriculture. But often these products are used incorrectly or in excess, it can cause a number of problems.

“You can bring water contamination, soil contamination, applicator contamination, and even have the waste producer that will reach the consumer. We could better use this tool, “says Marcelo.

The reduction of pesticides can be done in several ways. The developed by Embrapa is the electrostatic spray, simple equipment, low cost and can be used by small producers. Those who followed the development of the product was the agronomist Aldemir Chaim.

“Basically the spray contains a source. This high voltage, follows a red thread that will electrify the liquid at the tip of the equipment, which the break, drops out electrified, “says Chaim.

According to Chaim, when the droplets receive an electrical charge they will function as a magnet, ie rather than disperse in the air, they stick to the surfaces of plants, which enhances and application efficiency.

“the plant will attract this droplet with great intensity and it becomes different from the conventional process where the drop is thrown in the plant, “says the agronomist.

According to the agronomist, in conventional spray, about 70% of the applied pesticide ends up in the soil or is driven by the wind. in the case of electrostatic spray, the account is reversed. About 70% of the product is stuck on the plant. Another advantage of electrostatic spraying is that the product applied is also deposited on the underside of the leaves, which is very important to combat various pests and diseases.

the technology is already used in agriculture, especially in the United States, but in large motorized equipment. Already Embrapa spray is portable, suitable for small producers. With the battery charged, the equipment works about six hours. As security, the equipment has a ground wire. Watch the video above and see how it works equipment.