News

1. ​Herbicides

• ​Key Products: Glyphosate, Atrazine, 2,4-D.
• ​Function: Control or eliminate weeds to reduce crop competition and increase yields.
• ​Usage:
  • Glyphosate is the most widely used single pesticide globally, applied in genetically modified crops (e.g., glyphosate-resistant soybeans, corn) and non-cropland weed control.
  • Atrazine is extensively used in cornfields but poses groundwater contamination risks.
• ​Controversies:
  • Glyphosate’s potential carcinogenicity (classified as Group 2A carcinogen by WHO IARC in 2015) has led to bans or restrictions in multiple countries.

2. ​Insecticides

• ​Key Products: Neonicotinoids (e.g., Imidacloprid), pyrethroids (e.g., Cypermethrin), organophosphates (e.g., Chlorpyrifos).
• ​Function: Combat pests (e.g., aphids, planthoppers, Lepidoptera larvae) that damage crops.
• ​Usage:
  • Neonicotinoids once dominated over 25% of the global insecticide market due to high efficacy and broad-spectrum activity but face restrictions in the EU and elsewhere due to toxicity to pollinators like bees.
  • Organophosphates remain widely used in developing countries but raise concerns over high toxicity and residue issues.

3. ​Fungicides

• ​Key Products: Triazoles (e.g., Tebuconazole), strobilurins (e.g., Azoxystrobin), Carbendazim.
• ​Function: Prevent or treat fungal diseases (e.g., powdery mildew, rust) in crops.
• ​Usage:
  • Triazoles dominate in grain and fruit cultivation due to low cost and broad-spectrum efficacy.
  • Azoxystrobin is increasingly adopted in organic farming for its low mammalian toxicity and environmental friendliness.

4. ​Fertilizers

• ​Types: Nitrogen-based (e.g., urea), phosphorus-based (e.g., superphosphate), potassium-based (e.g., potassium chloride).
• ​Function: Replenish soil nutrients to enhance crop growth.
• ​Usage:
  • Nitrogen fertilizers are the most widely used globally, but overapplication contributes to water eutrophication (e.g., algal blooms in lakes).

5. ​Plant Growth Regulators

• ​Key Products: Gibberellic Acid, Ethephon.
• ​Function: Regulate physiological processes like flowering, fruiting, and ripening.
• ​Applications: Gibberellic acid is used for seedless grape production, while Ethephon accelerates fruit ripening.