They work by increasing the chemical's adhesion to the leaf, by reducing any factor that can diminish chemical effectiveness, or by enhancing chemical weatherability. Since many pesticides are broken down by ultraviolet light, some extenders have the ability to intercept ultraviolet light. Organosilicon surfactants are a new class of surfactants. Generally they are more effective per unit of active ingredient than the more traditional surfactants. Penetrants are adjuvants that help chemicals penetrate plants.
Spreaders are surfactants.
See Surfactant . Spreader-stickers are compounds that perform two functions at the same time. They stick and spread chemicals to plant surfaces. See surfactants and stickers for descriptions of individual types of adjuvants. Stickers are adjuvants that aid in the attachment of a chemical to a surface.