The use of adjuvants in foliar spray

Adjuvants are substances added to foliar spray solutions to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of the spray. They can modify the properties of the spray solution, improve its coverage, penetration, and absorption by the plant, and optimize the activity of pesticides or foliar nutrients. Here are different types of adjuvants and their roles in foliar sprays:

1. Surfactants (Surface-Active Agents):

• Role: Surfactants reduce the surface tension of the spray solution, enabling better spreading and coverage of the plant surface.
• Benefits:
  • Improved Spreading: Ensures uniform coverage of the leaf surface.
  • Enhanced Penetration: Facilitates penetration of the spray into the plant tissues.
  • Increased Absorption: Helps in the absorption of nutrients or pesticides by reducing runoff.

2. Spreaders and Wetting Agents:

• Role: These adjuvants help the spray solution spread evenly and wet the plant surface, improving adhesion and absorption.
• Benefits:
  • Uniform Coverage: Ensures the spray solution is evenly distributed over the plant.
  • Enhanced Absorption: Promotes absorption of nutrients or pesticides into the leaf.

3. Penetrants and Absorption Enhancers:

• Role: Penetrants increase the permeability of the plant cuticle, allowing the spray solution to penetrate and reach the plant’s interior tissues.
• Benefits:
  • Improved Absorption: Enhances the absorption of active ingredients by the plant.
  • Better Efficacy: Helps pesticides and nutrients reach target sites within the plant.

4. Adhesion Agents:

• Role: Adhesion agents help the spray solution adhere to the leaf surface, preventing runoff and enhancing retention.
• Benefits:
  • Reduced Runoff: Minimizes waste and ensures more effective application.
  • Extended Residual Activity: Enhances the longevity of the spray on the plant.

5. Anti-Foaming Agents:

• Role: These agents reduce or eliminate foam formation in the spray tank, preventing issues during mixing and spraying.
• Benefits:
  • Smooth Application: Ensures consistent and efficient spraying without disruptions caused by foam.

6. Buffering Agents:

• Role: Buffering agents help adjust and maintain the pH of the spray solution to an optimal range.
• Benefits:
  • Optimized pH: Ensures the stability and effectiveness of pesticides or foliar nutrients in the solution.

7. Compatibility Agents:

• Role: Compatibility agents prevent the unwanted reaction or inactivation of chemicals in the spray tank, ensuring a stable and effective spray mixture.
• Benefits:
  • Chemical Stability: Prevents unwanted reactions that could reduce the effectiveness of the spray solution.

8. Sticker and Extender Adjuvants:

• Role: Sticker adjuvants help the spray solution adhere to the plant surface, increasing its retention. Extender adjuvants improve the residual activity of the spray.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced Adhesion and Residual Activity: Ensures longer contact and efficacy of the spray on the plant.

When using adjuvants, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for proper application rates and mixing. Adjuvants should be selected based on the specific requirements of the foliar spray, the type of pesticide or nutrient being applied, and the target crop. Additionally, compatibility with other components in the spray mixture should be considered to maximize the benefits of adjuvant use.

Talk to your OMEX representative today to learn more about our adjuvant products to enhance the efficiency of your crop spray operation.