What is the primary use of adjuvants in pesticide application?

Adjuvants are substances added to pesticide formulations to modify their properties and improve their effectiveness. The primary purpose of adjuvants is to assist in overcoming plant surface obstacles, such as waxy cuticles or hairs on leaves that can inhibit the deposition and absorption of the pesticide. By helping the pesticide penetrate these barriers, adjuvants enhance the overall efficacy of the treatment.

Using adjuvants effectively allows for better coverage and adherence of the pesticide to the target surface, improving its uptake by the plant and leading to more successful pest management. While other uses for adjuvants might exist, such as improving distribution or modifying the physical characteristics of the spray mixture, their primary role in this context is related to overcoming the physical challenges presented by plant surfaces.