Agricola 2000 provides experiments to evaluate the efficacy and selectivity of plant protection products used in agriculture. Such studies are conducted according to specific, internationally recognised guidelines (EPPO, EWRS, CEB). All trials are managed with specific and updated software (ARM 2018, FieldPro).
The main objective of such trials is to evaluate the efficacy of test products in controlling pests, as well as their selectivity for crops in place and in succession. Hence, the following parameters must be identified:
- Dose required for pest control;
- Spectrum of controlled pest;
- Safety dosage for the crop;
- Period of application and flexibility;
- Activity duration;
- Performance according to different soils, areas and climatic conditions;
- Features of different formulations;
- Comparison with standard;
- Additives / interference with mixtures of current use;
- Side effects;
- Better positioning within agricultural systems;
- Potential carryover risk for substitute or rotational crops.
Choosing the correct test site is crucial in order to get high-quality data. For this reason we fully commit to choose sites where crops and pest have developed in an even way and where the soil does not display a high variability degree. We avoid trials on field margins. Furthermore, we do not perform trials on resistant pest unless specifically required in the protocols. Great attention is paid while arranging blocks and plots on the field to decrease variability. High data quality is needed to get a reliable interpretation.
Trials include the efficacy spectrum of all marketed pesticides and these are carried out in natural and artificial conditions.