Since plant protection products are necessary to control diseases and pests, it is important to understand how these products work, specifically what they do, how effective and persistent they are, and how toxic they are for humans and the environment.
Fungicides are split into two categories: protectant (contact) fungicides and translaminar or systemic (curative) fungicides. Persistence varies depending on the product but is greater for translaminar and systemic fungicides. This aspect is crucial when deciding whether to repeat the treatment, especially when adverse conditions are present, such as periods of rain between treatments or during phases of rapid vegetative growth, which may result in the emergence of new, unprotected tissue.
Another important point is the possibility that certain products may generate resistance if they are used systematically. Hence, and when there are no specific instructions regarding a particular active ingredient, it is advisable to alternate between active ingredients that operate in different ways between treatments. The same active ingredient is generally available on the market under a range of different brands, so it is always important to check the product’s composition when choosing.
A product’s packaging will generally indicate its toxicity. Specific symbols identify the rules that must be observed when storing and handling the product and when disposing of the empty packaging. Toxicity refers to the product’s potential harmful effects on its users, as well as on people and animals that may come into contact with treated areas. Separately, the product’s environmental persistence affects how long residues remain active in the crop and the environment, and hence each product is assigned a specific safety interval that must be strictly observed. Besides their direct effect on the crop, plant protection products also interfere with the vineyard ecosystem, and the side effects of several active ingredients on other fungi and beneficial fauna are documented. Because of this, treatments must be adjusted to meet the new rules on integrated vineyard protection.
One of the most serious issues arising with plant protection products is water contamination. Many of them are extremely harmful to fish and aquatic organisms, and hence every care must be taken not to contaminate water when washing any equipment used or when disposing of the empty containers.