Fruit growers have already begun the spring protection of their plants, but it is always useful to recall the precaution that requires the use of pesticides. By the end of the year, they will meet twice more with the need to protect the fruit trees – in the middle of the summer, for the fruits that will later spring, and in the beginning of winter.
Pesticides
Pesticides are defined as substances or mixtures of substances intended for the prevention, destruction, suppression or reduction of pests. Pesticides are generally divided into herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. In addition to the dominant (90%) application in agriculture, pesticides are also applied in forestry and wood industry, food industry, veterinary and communal hygiene. The first significance of certain chemical compounds in the plant protection service is related to the XVII century and the use of copper souffat in the protection of the vines for the vineyards of rot. It is now believed that plant production in the world without plant protection measures and pesticide application would only make about 30% of potential yields.
Protection during use of pesticides
On the packaging of each pesticide, the instructions for its preparation and use, as well as the measures of protection during use, are given – exactly what personal protective equipment is necessary on this occasion. It is very important to comply with these guidelines because pesticides can be extremely toxic to humans. The lowest signs of poisoning are skin irritation and mucous membranes, while in most cases an effect on the nervous system of a person occurs in the form of headache, vertigo, paralysis, anxiety. Some of them cause pain in the stomach, nausea, choking and increased sweating.
In order not to have such dangerous effects on human health, the most important is the use of adequate protective equipment. These are gloves, protective masks, protective goggles and visors, boots and protective suits.
Gloves
Each activity is done by hands and they are the first to contact the pesticides. Although the hands occupy only 5% of the total body surface area, the risk of pesticide ingestion in the human body is 80% over-the-counter. During fruit spraying, it is recommended to use chemical nitrile gloves, which must have a standard that guarantees their suitability for handling chemicals – EN 374 JKL. Never use textile or leather gloves, which can absorb chemicals and contribute to even greater contamination.
Protective masks
Although farmers often use disposable protective masks – respirators, they do not provide adequate protection when contacting chemicals such as pesticides. These masks provide protection against dust particles, but for various chemical vapors, it is generally necessary to use a half-mask with replaceable AB filters. When choosing a mask, it is important to pay attention to the level of protection that it provides.
Safety glasses and visors
Although spraying fruit is recommended when there is no wind, pesticides can still reach the eyes. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to use protective goggles and visors. Protective goggles and acetate glass visors are recommended, as it protects better against chemicals then polycarbonate. Also, goggles (tape glasses) are more reliable than ordinary glasses with handles.
Protective suits
These suits protect the whole user’s body. There are several types of protective overalls, mostly one-off, which are made of special materials that protect against chemicals. These are types 4, type 5 and type 6 and they provide adequate protection during the preparation and subsequent use of pesticides. Beneath the protective suit wears lightweight, cotton clothes.
Footwear
During fruit spraying it is very important to avoid footwear we use on a daily basis. It is necessary to have rubber or PVC boots that protect against spillage of chemicals and their contact with the skin. Protective clothing should be wrapped over the boots, so that the liquid is not poured into the boots.
The order of dressing and undressing is also very important. The suit is first dressed, after it boots, then a protective mask is placed, so the goggles are put in place and finally gloves are put on. The removal of the equipment is in reverse order. After use, the equipment should be adequately washed and stored in a dark, cold place, protected from dust.
In the Albo range you can find all the resources that are mentioned as necessary for protection during spraying of fruit, and we will also provide you with all the necessary advice in their selection and use.
To all fruit growrs we wish safe and fruitful year.