Agropharmaceutical is a compound term, “agro” from the Latin “ager-agri” = field, referring to agriculture or fields, and pharmaceutical, a substance for treatment.
Phytopharmaceutical comes from the Greek “phitón” = plant and “phármacon” = medication. In humans and animals the term means functional modifications via a chemical or physical action, in the common sense of a medication or remedy. The neologism was coined to define, in a way that is immediately comprehensible and unmistakeable, the chemical product used to treat plant diseases in agriculture.
From the Greek “antì” = against and “parásitos” = commensal.
A substance used to combat plant parasites.
Technologies based on the manipulation of the genetic code of plants, in order to insert genes capable of improving certain characteristics (like insect resistance).
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)
Quantity of oxygen needed for the oxidation of all organic and inorganic substances found in liquid refluents.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The voluntary addition, by companies, of social and ecological issues in their commercial operations and in their relations with concerned parties (adapted from the European definition contained in the European Commission’s Green Book).
European Union Regulation 761/2001 concerning voluntary compliance with a European eco-management and audit system on the part of companies in the industrial sector.
The Environmental Management System is a formalised, structured organisational model integrated with overall company activities, which defines the responsibilities, planning activities, procedures and resources for drafting, implementing and maintaining active the environmental policy.
The context in which an organisation operates. It includes water, air, human beings and their interactions, fauna, flora, natural resources and land.
A systematic, continuing and documented process of verification to assess, using objective evidence, whether an environmental/safety/quality system put in place by an organisation complies with the defined policies.
Formulated products - Preparations
The commercial preparation of a crop protection product: these products may contain one or more active ingredients and are made up of three basic components:
- 1) active ingredient,
- 2) adjuvants,
- 3) excipients (inert substances).
Product which, when released into the environment or into the soil, will lead to the formation of fumes that are toxic for parasites, once applied.
Genetically modified organism. A crop which characteristics are biotechnologically modified.
Substance used to destroy harmful nematodes (unsegmented worms, plant/animal parasites).
Nitrogen oxide (mainly NO, NO2) gases are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. These gases contribute to the formation of ozone in the lower strata of the atmosphere and acid deposits.
Organization for the Economic Cooperation an Development.
Any animal or vegetable organism that lives off other organisms.
Biotic agent that can cause damages to the agricultural crops. The term can refer to insects, fungi, bacteria or viruses.
From the English “pest” (harmful plant or animal) and the Latin “caed-e-re” = cut to pieces.
Substance capable of destroying organisms harmful to crops.
A substance secreted by insects that does not act on the secreting insect but on others of the same species, on which it performs the function of a chemical messenger, by influencing coupling, development, growth etc.
A synthetic organic non-nutritive compound, which in small doses encourages, inhibits or, in any case, modifies certain physiological processes in plants, by acting in places other than where it is applied.
The complex of structures to which the defence and protection of useful plants and their products are entrusted.
From the Greek “phitón” = plant and from the Latin “sanus” = healthy.
Pursuant to Legislative Decree. 17/3/1995, no. 194, Art. 2 - lett. a), they are active ingredients and preparations
containing one or more active ingredients, present in the same form supplied to users and intended for:
- 1) protecting plants or plant products from all harmful organisms, or preventing the effects of said organisms;
- 2) favouring or regulating the life processes of plants, (not including fertilisers);
- 3) saving of plant products (excluding conserving agents subject to special regulations);
- 4) removing weeds;
- 5) removing plant components and inhibiting or preventing the undesired development of the same.
Responsible Care is a global chemical industry initiative, established to monitor and improve the activities of chemical industries in terms of health, safety and environment. Compliance with the Responsible Care program by chemical companies is voluntary. The activities set out in the program are coordinated by Federchimica in Italy, who publishes the results each year in an Annual Report.
Sulphur oxides are gases generated by the combustion of fossil fuels containing sulphur. They contribute to acid rain.
Person or group with a vested interest in the performance or success of an organisation, such as a company.
For example: customers, proprietors/shareholders/ partners, employees, suppliers, competitors, banks, unions, local communities or public administration bodies.
Guaranteeing socio-economic development in line with today needs without compromising those of the future generations.
Tonne of oil equivalent, a conventional unit for the measurement of energy equivalent to 10 million kcal, used to refer to any heat source on the basis of its heat generating capacity.
Volatile organic compounds.
Weed - Infestation
A plant presents simultaneously with the crop with which it competes for primary resources i.e. space,nutrients, water and light.