Agricultural Spray Adjuvants

Hosted by the Association of Applied IPM Ecologists (AAIE)

Surfactants, Spreaders Improve surface coverage by reducing surface tension of the liquid spray to make droplets spread out.

Stickers, spreader-stickers Keep the active ingredients on the surface, reduce weathering and wash-off.

Extenders Increase the residual time, protect from weathering, UV light, etc.

Plant penetrants Help move the active ingredient across the waxy integument and into the interior of plants.

Compatibility Agents Help mix two or more spray ingredients.

Buffers and pH modifiers Maintain a steady pH, acidify, or increase pH.

Drift Retardants Reduce drift during sprays.

Defoaming Agents Reduce foaming in the spray tank.

Thickeners 

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Links

Adjuvant Information

• Adjuvants discussion in Ebeling, Walter. 1959. Subtropical Fruit Pests.
• Agricultural Spray Adjuvants (Cornell)
• Are the Chemicals Compatible? (peanuts, N Carolina CE)
• Horticultural Spray Adjuvants (Penn State)
• Pesticide Adjuvants and Surfactants (Montana)
• Role of spray adjuvants (herbicides, Iowa State)