Inspection of the machines for pesticide application in order to achieve GlobalGAP standard in the Republic of Srpska

Abstract

The invention and application of pesticides has led to a real revolution in plant production, and it is regarded as one of the greatest inventions. Proper use of plant protection technology ensures both application efficiency and the economical use of pesticides. Modern agriculture implies production within certain standards, in particular from the point of pesticide application, i.e. production of safe food. The aim of this study was to determine the condition of the machines for application of pesticides in the Republic of Srpska and to find out whether they meet the requirements set by the GlobalGAP standard. With the appropriate equipment, in accordance with the above standards, the examination of pumps, nozzles, pressure gauge, RPM of PTO and visual control was performed. The results show that only a well-tuned and calibrated device can be eligible for GlobalGAP standards. Another problem refers to the equipment on farms that is older than eight years, including 77.70% of cases. This is confirmed by the results and a number of recorded defects on which the effectiveness of treatment largely depends. Regular inspection of the machines for pesticide application is a required measure in modern agricultural production because of the high use of pesticides.

Keywords

• pesticides
• controlled applications
• standard
• safe food