CHEMICAL USE
Soft in nature, not on results
There’s something to be said about being “soft, but not weak”. This well-known quote – attributed to many and none – has significant relevance when we think about control. There’s a big difference between being soft and weak, particularly in the case of chemical use. Embracing “soft” can initiate a change
for growers to use to manage pest
portfolio manager Serge Usatov said.
outbreaks.
Biologically-based chemicals,
The term “soft chemistry” is becoming
including pheromones or active
a buzzword in the horticulture sector,
ingredients derived from bacteria,
but it also raises questions.
also come under a different category
The Australian Table Grape Association spoke to experts in the agrichemical industry to help
– sometimes called “biological solutions” – within the agrichemical industry.
understand what soft chemistry is,
Corteva territory account manager
how it works and what the benefits
Nick Weckert said products developed
are to industry.
with soft chemistry attributes would target specific pests, but efficacy
in mindset, something required at this
What is “soft chemistry”?
critical time in table grape production.
Soft chemistry refers to targeted
as well.
Australian and international
pest solutions that have little impact
“(These products are) supported with
governments are strengthening
on the environment and merge
regular crop monitoring to measure
well with growers’ integrated pest
pest threshold numbers and the
and further protect the environment
management (IPM) programs.
required beneficials,” Nick said.
and consumers from exposure to
“‘Soft chemistry’ generally refers
chemical residues, and a spotlight has
to synthetic chemistry that is very
been shone on food safety standards.
targeted at a specific pest species,
Chemical industry embraces soft side
The result of this attention is fewer
while having minimal impact on any
Stricter regulatory measures in
broad-spectrum chemicals available
beneficial species,” BASF horticulture
international markets mean MRLs
chemical laws to prevent pollution
28 VINE MAGAZINE
required commitment from the grower
