When mixed with other products, RA4 boosts overall product performance, as well as elevates product control of resistant pests.
Since receiving a residue tolerance exemption for benzyl alcohol, or RA4, from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2023, our team has continued testing performance enhancements across fungicide, herbicide and fertilizer products. Earlier this fall, we shared our latest data during the ASTM International 44th Symposium on Pesticide Formulation and Delivery Systems in the session “RA4: A New Tool for Formulators.”
Benzyl alcohol is a widely available compound used in industrial, consumer, household and commercial products. During our early testing of benzyl alcohol, which we began referencing as RA4, we found that it also enhanced performance of pesticide active ingredients (AIs). As both an adjuvant and an in-can ingredient in agricultural formulations, RA4 demonstrated it can bolster the performance of AIs, including their ability to help combat resistance. The EPA residue tolerance exemption allows its use in pre- and post-harvest products applied to crops, as well as in non-crop uses such as turf, nursery and ornamentals.
“We began investigating RA4 as a tool to improve efficacy of AIs against both resistant and susceptible disease strains because of how costly resistance can be for growers,” said Mitchell Tatar, general manager with CJB Applied Technologies. “If we can elevate the performance of AIs against susceptible targets, we can help extend the lifecycle of that product before it may experience pest resistance. This enables growers to keep these products in their pest management rotations for a longer period of time and still receive a high level of control to maintain crop productivity and maximize returns.”
Throughout our research and partnerships, RA4 has continued to demonstrate performance improvements across a wider spectrum of products beyond fungicides. We’ve seen improved efficacy of foliar-applied herbicides, enhanced cotton defoliation with defoliators, and enhanced foliar nutrient uptake with some nutritional products. Some data is below with more in our data sheet.
Delivering better for America’s farmers
“We are excited to bring this technology to our customers to help them enhance the performance of their products. We plan to license the technology to industry formulators and manufacturers,” Tatar stated.
If your product is faltering or needs a performance boost, contact our team today.
