USE OF SURFACTANTS FOR MITIGATING DAMAGE TO PLANTS FROM PESTS

摘要

A method is described for treating soil to increase plant growth or improve the health of plants, wherein an aqueous solution of polyethoxylated fatty acids and/or fatty alcohols is used which has pesticidal effects. In some embodiments, the method can be used against soil pests such as at least one of nematodes, soil-dwelling insects, and weeds. The invention also pertains to methods for applying bio-derived surfactants to crops and other plants or to the soil used for such plants in order to reduce the need to apply environmentally unfriendly pesticides substances.