What is the purpose of adjuvants in pesticide applications?

Adjuvants play a critical role in pesticide applications by modifying the properties of the pesticide formulation to enhance its effectiveness. They can serve various functions such as improving the spreading and sticking characteristics of the pesticide on the target surface, facilitating better absorption by plants or pests, and mitigating potential degradation from environmental factors.

By altering the physical and chemical properties of the pesticide, adjuvants help to optimize the interaction between the pesticide and the target organism, leading to more effective pest control. This increased effectiveness can result from enhanced penetration of the pesticide into plant tissues, improved coverage, or breaking down barriers that may prevent the pesticide from reaching its target.

In contrast, while reducing drift or making applications easier might be beneficial outcomes of using certain types of adjuvants, the primary purpose is centered on modifying properties to increase the pesticide's performance. Increasing phytotoxicity is generally not a goal in pesticide applications, as it refers to the potential damage to non-target plants, something that is typically avoided.