I lowing discussion is intended to describe the different types of adjuvants that are used with herbicides and explain their role in increasing herbicide efficacy. It is obvious that, with this array of uses and purposes, the term adjuvant encompasses a wider meaning than wetting agent or surfactant. While all surfactants or wetting agents are adjuvants, not all adjuvants are surfactants or wetting agents. There are many adjuvants that have little, if any, effect on herbicidal activity. Adjuvants are materials that facilitate the activity of herbicides or that facilitate or modify characteristics of herbicide formulations or spray solutions.
Surfactants are materials that facilitate and accentuate the emulsifying.
Wetting agents are compounds that, when added to a spray solu- tion, cause it to cover plant surfaces more thoroughly. Adjuvants are either included in herbicide formulations as pan of the total product. Adjuvants can be classified according to their type of action, and the choice of an adjuvant should be based on the specific need to facilitate the herbicide being applied. Spray modifier agents and utility modifier adjuvants, are usually found as part of the herbicide formulation, and thus, are added to the herbicide product by the manufacturer Activator agents are the best known class of adjuvants. because they are normally purchased separately by the user and added to the herbicidal solution in the spray tank. However, there may be a need, at times.