Developments in adjuvant use for agrochemicals.

Abstract

Adjuvants can improve the targeting of pesticides and nutrients. During the last thirty years, the use of adjuvants has become a useful tool for optimising the efficacy of pesticides. In the USA volumes of approximately 110 ML oil and 20 ML surfactant are used per year. For several reasons, the yearly volume for oils and surfactants in Europe is much lower, being approximately 10 ML per year for oils and a similar amount for surfactants. The red line in the developments is a fine-tuning between composition of adjuvants and their function plus effect in a certain application. This means that knowledge-based development of adjuvants more than the "spray and pray" approach will gain importance. This paper describes in a nutshell the different chemistries and possible functions of adjuvants. Recent developments are presented regarding adjuvants for glyphosate, waxes, alkoxylated triglycerides, calcium nitrate and adjuvant influence on drift.