When it comes to crop protection, there’s no shortage of factors for growers to consider. Leading up to every pesticide application, growers make a series of decisions – from nozzle types to tank mixes – in pursuit of effective pest control. One such decision is whether or not to incorporate a spray adjuvant, and if so, which is the right match for each particular situation.

Adjuvant background and classification

Adjuvants improve a pesticide’s ability to perform. While there are dozens of different kinds, adjuvants can be categorized at a high level as either an activator or utility adjuvant.

Activator adjuvants increase effectiveness of a pesticide by modifying its makeup. The most common subtypes are surfactants and oil-based adjuvants, and while both improve efficacy, they have unique methods for doing so.

“A surfactant will overcome the surface tension of water, allowing a pesticide to more evenly disperse across its target,” said Daniel Waldstein, technical market manager, BASF. “For herbicides, this improves weed control by increasing the chemical’s contact with the target surface. Oil-based adjuvants, on the other hand, help penetrate the waxy cuticle barrier of the leaf, delivering chemicals to critical sites within the plant.”

Due to cuticle penetration power, oil-based adjuvants tend to have stronger pest control, but also higher risk of adverse crop response.

Utility adjuvants tackle application issues such as foaming or off-target movement. Antifoam agents help keep excess air out of sprayer lines. Thickening agents increase droplet size, which protects against spray drift. After application, pesticides mixed with a deposition agent, or “sticker,” stay on target leaves and out of the air through improved durability to rain and evaporation.

Choosing the right adjuvant

Many pesticides require a specific adjuvant to achieve optimum pest control. A grower’s first resource in determining which type of adjuvant to use is the product label. The label will have detailed information regarding which adjuvants are compatible with the product in a standalone or tank mixed application.

Sometimes a label will permit the use of a variety of adjuvants. By understanding differences between surfactants and oil-based adjuvants, growers can weigh the benefits and risks in respect to other factors.

“Application timing can influence which adjuvant you select,” said Waldstein. “Methylated seed oils often accompany a pre-emergence burndown because no crops are put at risk. Separately, cool and cloudy weather conditions thin plant cuticles, increasing the likelihood of a crop response to oils.”

After reviewing the label and identifying what makes the most sense for the scenario, a specific product can be chosen. BASF recommends using Council of Producers & Distributors of Agrotechnology (CPDA)-certified adjuvants.

Originally posted by BASF.