These compounds are added to a spray tank to modify the physical properties of the active ingredient. They function as surfactants, spreaders, stickers, or defoamers, ensuring the chemical coats the target leaf evenly and resists washing off in the rain. While they have no toxic effect on their own, they drastically increase the efficiency of the primary spray.
Heard on the job
Make sure you add a non-ionic adjuvant to the tank mix so the herbicide actually sticks to the waxy leaves.
Insider tip
Skipping the adjuvant to save money usually results in poor chemical coverage and a failed spray application.
Also heard as
- surfactant
- spreader-sticker