Adaptation des techniques d’application des produits de traitement des cultures aux conditions locales, optimisation de la qualité de pulvérisation et des pertes dans l’environnement

Abstract

This research analyzes phytosanitary practices applied to cereal (wheat) and arboricultural (apple) crops in the Khenchela region, with a particular focus on assessing pesticide exposure risks for farmers and their environmental impact. The evaluation also includes a wind tunnel drift assessment conducted in Tunisia. The methodological approach is based on a survey of 368 farmers across the municipalities of Yabous, Chelia, M’sara, Bouhmama, Taouzient, Kais, Remila, and Chechar during the 2020/2021 agricultural season. Two risk indicators, the Treatment Frequency Index (TFI) and the Phytosanitary Pressure Index (PPI), were applied to 27 active substances commonly used in the studied sites. The results show that most surveyed farmers have a medium education level and have not received specific training in agriculture. Insecticide treatments are the most frequently applied, followed by herbicides, while fungicides and growth regulators are used to a lesser extent. The risk index calculations indicate that the TFI for apple orchards is relatively moderate, whereas wheat exhibits a higher TFI, suggesting a greater phytosanitary pressure on this crop. A wide range of active substances has been identified, with the most commonly used being 2,4-D Ester-Butylglycol, Chlorantraniliprole, Triadimenol, Cyproconazole, Thiamethoxam, and Azoxystrobin. Twelve active substances were classified as Category II (moderately hazardous) according to international classification standards. The use of pesticides remains inadequately controlled, highlighting the need to strengthen farmer training and awareness to promote safer and more rational use of phytosanitary products while limiting risks to health and the environment. Experimental trials revealed that turbulence nozzles are the most suitable for phytosanitary treatments in arboriculture, whereas flat-fan nozzles are more effective for cereal crops. The integration of anti-drift nozzles and the optimization of technical parameters (application pressure, travel speed, and boom height) significantly reduce pesticide drift. These findings corroborate previous studies and confirm the need to adapt spraying techniques to local conditions to enhance treatment effectiveness while minimizing environmental impact.