Tracers are used to evaluate pesticide spray deposition and loss; however, optimal tracers for specific applications have not yet been defined. Therefore, this study was aimed at evaluating various tracers and determining the best compound for assessing pesticide spray deposition and loss. We evaluated brilliant b1ue, blankophor, sodium fluorescein, rhodamine B and brilliant sulfoflavine at 1,000, 20, 15, 50, 1,000 ppm, respectively. Brilliant blue was evaluated by spectrophotometry (630 nm wavelength) and the other tracers by spectrofluorometry. The specific excitation and emission filters that were used in spectrofluorometry varied by tracer type. Surface tension, pH, filter paper extraction, sunlight stability, and agitation stability were evaluated. The data were examined by variance analyses and the significant differences were submitted to average tests and regression. Viscosity was the only physical-chemical that was not affected by the tracer type. Brilliant sulfoflavine had the highest extraction efficiency, brilliant sulfoflavine and Brilliant Blue were the most stable in sunlight, and blankophor had the lowest agitation stability. Brilliant sulfoflavine was the most appropriate for pesticide spray deposition and drift assessment. Rhodamine B showed to be the best option for filter paper targets among the low-cost tracers available in Brazil.
spraying; losses; stability; artificial target
