SPRAY ADJUVANTS

Spray Adjuvants: Types and Uses

Spray adjuvants are additives used to improve the effectiveness of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers. They help enhance coverage, absorption, and overall performance.

Types of Spray Adjuvants & Their Uses

Surfactants (Spreaders, Wetters, Stickers)

• Purpose: Reduce surface tension, allowing spray droplets to spread evenly and adhere to plant surfaces.
• Types & Uses:
  • Non-ionic surfactants (NIS): Compatible with most pesticides; used for even coverage (e.g., Induce, Activator 90).
  • Anionic surfactants: Used for foaming applications.
  • Cationic surfactants: Less common due to plant toxicity concerns.

Penetrants

• Purpose: Enhance pesticide absorption into plant tissues.
• Examples:
  • Crop oils (COC): Improve herbicide penetration (e.g., Agri-Dex, Prime Oil).
  • Methylated seed oils (MSO): Stronger penetration than COC; used with tough-to-control weeds.

Drift Control Agents (Drift Retardants)

• Purpose: Reduce drift by increasing droplet size, keeping sprays on target.
• Examples:
  • Polyacrylamides (e.g., Control™): Help reduce fine mist formation.
  • Cellulose-based products: Used for large-scale agriculture.

Deposition Aids

• Purpose: Improve spray retention on plants, preventing runoff and increasing effectiveness.
• Example: Bond – Commonly used with fungicides and insecticides.

Water Conditioners (pH Buffers, Ammonium Sulfate - AMS)

• Purpose: Improve pesticide solubility and prevent hard water interference.
• Examples:
  • AMS (ammonium sulfate): Reduces water hardness and improves glyphosate uptake.
  • pH Buffers: Prevents pesticide breakdown in alkaline water (e.g., LI 700).

Foam Control Agents (Defoamers)

• Purpose: Reduce excessive foaming in spray tanks, preventing application issues.
• Examples: Foam Buster, No-Foam

UV Protectants

• Purpose: Prevent breakdown of pesticides due to sun exposure.
• Example: Helios – Used in fungicides and insecticides for longer effectiveness.

Key Benefits of Using Adjuvants

✅ Improves spray coverage and absorption
✅ Reduces spray drift and waste
✅ Enhances pesticide performance
✅ Prevents product loss due to water quality issues

Would you like recommendations on which adjuvants to use for specific applications?