Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Spreaders
are substances that increases the area that a given volume of liquid
will cover on a solid or another liquid. They also allow pesticides to spread
evenly over treated surfaces.
Stickers
increase the adherence of the chemical to the treated surface, thus
increasing its persistence, particularly under adverse weather conditions. Many
spreaders also possess wetting and spreading characteristics.
Penetrants
are wetting agents, oils, or oil concentrates that enhance the absorp-
tion of a systemic pesticide by the plant. Examples are Agri-Dex
, Induce
,
and P enetrator
.
Dispe rsing agent s
are materials that reduce the cohesiveness of like parti-
cles, either solid or liquid. Dispe rssants and suspe nding agent s are added
during the formulation of emulsifiable concentrates and wettable powders to aid
in the dispersion and suspension of the ingredients. Examples are Adherex
,
Tamol
, and Lomar
.
Foaming aids
and
suppressants
are surface-active substances that forms a
fast draining foam to provide maximum contact of the spray to the plant sur-
face. Foaming aids insulate the surface and reduce the rate of evaporation.
Foaming suppressants reduce the ability of a pesticide or formulation to foam
during mixing and application.
Formulations as manufactured often contain all necessary adjuvants in ap-
propriate amounts for all or most uses. Sometimes, however, it may be de-
sirable for the applicator to add specific adjuvants prior to application. Wet-
ting agents and spreader-stickers are probably the adjuvants added most fre-
quently by the applicator. These materials are often referred to as surfactants.
Surfactants are "surface active agents" which reduce the surface tension of wa-
ter and therefore enhance spreading of the spray solution on the treated surface.
Compatibility agents are being added with increasing frequency to allow the
effective mixing of two or more pesticides or a pesticide with a fertilizer.
Thickening agents, also called drift reduction agents, are being used more ex-
tensively as drift continues to be of increasing concern.
Adjuvants are added only if recommended on the product label; otherwise,
you will do so at your own risk. Some labels expressly prohibit the use of
adjuvants. Always bear in mind that while increasing the effectiveness of a
particular pesticide, you also may be increasing the potential for phytotoxicity
and perhaps harm to non-target organisms and the environment.
